How To Create Good Television Habits In Children
The benefits that television has brought to society are immense. It acts as an entertainment medium that keeps us in a good mood, transmits information around the world in a highly efficient way , and can even be a means of bonding with friends and family. What television habits are there in your family?
However, as with anything in life, too much of a good thing can be bad. Television is often used as an escape from reality. Children with bad television habits spend less time studying and socializing.
The importance of having good television habits in a child’s life cannot be stressed enough because it could mean the difference between a successful academic and social life or a passive downward spiral. Parents can develop and instill good television habits in their child at home by following these simple techniques. Next, we are going to talk to you about this.
Alternatives for good television habits: books
Books are great alternatives to have good television habits; they are easy to find and also cheap. The only bad thing is that for many children reading is considered boring. Taking time during the formative years to cultivate a child’s love of reading can help tremendously in the long run.
Reading stories with your child can teach him that books are fun and exciting; a portal to another world. Parents can set an example by frequently reading the books themselves and setting aside time after school to be used solely for reading. Children hold their parents in high esteem and often imitate the activities they see them do.
To motivate children even more, parents can take them to the bookstore at least once a month and allow them to choose the book they want. There are many children’s books that cover a wide genre of topics, such as horror, fantasy, and adventure. Children have different tastes, and allowing them to choose their own books will fuel their desire to read.
Sport to improve television habits
Children often spend too much time watching television to satisfy their boredom. Introducing children to sports can eliminate the need for excess television. Basketball, baseball, soccer, or even martial arts can be very attractive to children.
Allowing your child to choose the sport he likes will further increase his interest. Sports can have enormous benefits in developing physical strength, coordination, and teamwork, giving your child a certain edge in life.
Musical instruments to put aside the television
Fostering a love of music and teaching children to play a musical instrument can improve television habits, but the benefits don’t stop there: playing an instrument can have a monumental impact on the development of creativity.
Parents can begin the process by showing their children videos of various instruments that professionals are playing. Children are very impressionable and witnessing such a magnificent show will provoke an inner desire to accomplish the same feat. After a thoughtful conversation, the parent can allow their child to choose the instrument he likes, as long as it is within his budget.
It is important that children choose instruments themselves. Otherwise, they will quickly lose interest and justify stopping playing by saying it was not the instrument they wanted. When this happens, positive reinforcement and constant reminders of the benefits and success you will have can help keep you motivated.
Set a schedule
Setting a schedule can stop excess television. Parents can sit down with their child and plan a schedule, making sure to set a realistic schedule that takes into account their child’s entertainment needs as well as their study time.
Allowing your child to help make the schedule can further improve compliance. Once the schedule has been made, it should be in plain sight in front of the TV. The schedule must be strictly adhered to over the next several weeks, as the child may try to get around it through negotiations.
It is important to be resolute because, if the father is easily manipulated, trust and respect are lost. After months of regular use, children can be allowed to manage their own time and the schedule can be removed.
Freedom with reasonable limits for television habits
In this method, full confidence is placed in the child and in his ability to manage himself. The amount of will and determination to succeed in school and the desire for self-improvement will generally emerge if this technique is used.
The child is given freedom, within reasonable limits, in the amount of time spent watching television. This can empower most children, giving them greater freedom and self-confidence. Some will take advantage of this opportunity and subsequently get poor grades in school.
When this happens, parents should allow their child to cope with consequences, such as attending reinforcement classes. This can be a major turning point in the mindset of difficult-to-handle children and for improving television habits.
