Parenting Tips for Your 43-44 Month Old Child

Here are some guidelines for parents who decide to let their children watch television:

• Allow your child to watch only the programs that you think are appropriate for her. Go over the program guide on the TV with your child and select which programs you think are best to watch.
• If your child wants to watch a show you think is not right for her, explain what you do not like about it. Be gentle but firm in enforcing your limits.
• Watch programs with your child whenever possible. If you cannot join her, let her know you are there to talk about a program or answer questions.
• Ask your child what she thinks about different shows and encourage her to ask questions. Talk about:

• issues that come up on programs
• the difference between make-believe and real life
• TV characters and how they’re like or unlike people you know
• how violence can hurt people.

• Provide your child with lots of other activities besides watching TV.
• When your child visits another home, make sure the adults there understand what your child is allowed or not allowed to watch.
• Keep the TV out of your child’s bedroom. Only let her watch TV where you can see what program is on, like in the living room. Having a television in the bedroom also may keep your child from participating in family activities.
• Do not allow TV during mealtime. Use this time to catch up with one another, teach table manners, and teach about proper nutrition.
• Use the VCR or DVR. If your child’s favorite show conflicts with family time, record it to view later.
• Keep a diary or log of times your family watches TV, eats meals together, exercises, and reads. Look at the amount of time spent and change your schedule so that you are doing a variety of activities together.

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