Even if children are watching four hours (average in the United States) of quality educational television without eating, that still means they're not playing outside, playing music, reading, or socializing with others. Here are some ideas that will help parents guide their children’s TV viewing. 1. Limit the number of viewing hours to one or two hours per day. Or make watching TV a special event, not a daily habit. 2. Plan. Encourage children to plan their viewing by using a TV guide. Help children decide which show to see, and talk about the show after it ends. Don’t reward television viewing. 3. Know what your children watch on TV. Watch with them, and talk about the programs. TV programs may help you discuss difficult topics such as sex, war, government, and foreign countries. You may want to consider a family rule “no-TV unless a parent is watching” during the school year, holidays, weekends, or all the time. 4. Be a good role model. Children do what you do. Set a good example with your own television viewing habits.

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