How to Pick Good TV Shows for Your Kids to Watch

Children over the age of two years should have no more than one to two hours of total screen time per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP recommends that children's TV viewing only include quality programs that are age-appropriate, educational and don't contain violent or suggestive subject matter. When it comes time for your child to sit down in front of the television and relax, help her to pick the best possible shows that will make the most of her viewing habits and won't result in negative effects.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch television programs before your child does when possible. View the program yourself to ensure that it doesn't include adult content, strong language, violence or substance use.

    • 2

      Visit a website that reviews, or has parent reviews, of children's TV programs, such as Common Sense Media or the Parents Television Council. Read the reviews or look for weekly picks that align with your family's values and your own personal expectations for your child's TV viewing.

    • 3

      Look at the TV ratings for each show that your child wants to watch. Choose programs that have acceptable age ratings for your child. Consult the TV Parental Guidelines, which are included in most local TV listings: TV-Y is appropriate for all children, TV-Y7 is intended for children 7 years and up, TV-Y7-FV is generally acceptable for kids over 7 years, but contains some fantasy/violence, TV-G is for a general audience and has little to no adult content or violence, TV-PG may have some adult content or violence, TV-14 contains programs that are suitable for kids over age 14 and TV-MA is for a mature or adult audience.

    • 4

      Select shows for your child to view that contain educational elements, such as documentaries or programs on science and nature channels.

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