Creating a Healthy TV Diet: Finding A Balance Between Kids, Parents And The Television

Most agree that too much TV and video game time is a bad idea; however, kids and parents can strike an even balance with moderate TV time and the right video games that can actually provide kids with an opportunity to learn and keep their minds active.

So what do the experts think? A member of VTech's Advisory Council, Dr. Helen Boehm, a child development expert and author of The 2004 Guide to the Right Toys and Fearless Parenting for the New Millennium developed a unique approach to finding a balanced relationship between kids, parents, and the television. Boehm's "Healthy TV Diet" includes tips for parents to follow when creating TV viewing guidelines for their children.

A Well-Balanced Diet Is Best

Consider a healthy mixture of age-appropriate programming and activities that educate, engage, and entertain!

Trim the Fat

It is important to reduce children's sedentary behavior and eliminate unhealthy programs that contain violent, aggressive, or disrespectful behaviors.

Move Out of the Candy Store

Consider adapting your own TV habits as a healthy example for your child.

Plan Menus and Season to Taste

Whenever possible, eliminate channel surfing and encourage the viewing of specific, pre-selected shows. The PG-TV ratings help parents make more informed selections that take into account the content and age-appropriateness of programs.

Control Couch Potatoes

Limit sedentary screen time and blend physical and mental pursuits—like active on-screen games and video activities—into the TV mix.

Starvation Diets Don't Work

Eliminate some TV time by setting a few basic rules, such as restricting television during meals or before the day's homework is completed.

News Fast

The realism of TV news can be overwhelming and scary for young children and reinforces their profound safety concerns. Exposure to TV news images, particularly without a context for scenes of terrible suffering, can cause vivid and long-lasting fears.

Food for Thought

Whenever possible, connect viewing with learning.

Keep in mind that when choosing a video game option for your child, it's important to select age-appropriate content that encourages interaction and challenges critical thinking. The V.Smile TV Learning System from VTech is designed for kids as young as 3 years old and uses educational, age-appropriate material and characters that kids know and love, such as Dora the Explorer, The Lion King, Winnie the Pooh and Thomas the Tank Engine.

For older kids, ages 5 and up, the V.Smile Pocket is a high-tech handheld educational video game system that provides wireless gaming on the system's high-resolution color screen and connects to the TV for play on the big screen. The V.Smile Pocket is fully compatible with the entire V.Smile Smartridge™ library, and features older kids' favorite characters, including Spider-Man, Shrek and Sponge Bob Square Pants.