How to Stop the Fights Over TV Versus Homework

Your child's habit of blasting cartoons or watching movies all day long is not only annoying and disruptive -- it could also be damaging to his well-being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an excess of media -- which might include TV, video games, mobile devices and computers -- can lead to sleep problems, eating disorders, obesity and issues with attention. When you're deep in the fight between TV and homework, there's no easy solution, but the bottom line is, you have to be the adult and assert yourself.

Instructions

    • 1

      Don't keep the TV on in the background when you're doing things around the house. If you're not setting a good example and limiting your own screen time, your kids are not going to do it either.

    • 2

      Take the TV out of your child's bedroom, if he has one. Kids with a TV in their own rooms tend to watch more than kids without one, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

    • 3

      Develop a schedule for your household, which should include time spent outside or doing active things, time for homework and time for chores, before your kids are allowed to watch TV. You may be surprised to find that kids will comply with your requests when they have a goal in mind; in this case, getting to watch TV. This is going to require some extra work on your part, since you're going to have to check on your kids after each activity, to make sure they've done it. Try creating a reminder sheet on the fridge, onto which kids can add magnets or check marks when they finish their work.

    • 4

      Put on some fun music -- but not too loud -- while your kids are doing their homework and chores. If your kids are used to having the TV on during the day, this will cut down on the silence that may feel awkward to them.

    • 5

      Keep the TV remote with you and don't give it to your kids until they finish their homework. If your kids are watching TV on a computer, change the wireless password each day, and only give them the password when each one of them is done with his work. If you have multiple children, this may force them to work together or encourage one another to finish, so they can all enjoy their TV time. Be firm and don't engage in the fight if your kids start to yell or get upset; that's just going to escalate the situation and make things worse.

    • 6

      Limit your children's TV and overall screen time to one or two hours a day at maximum, recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics. Once they start watching, set a timer to remind you and the kids when the time has come to an end. Tell your children about this limitation, so they'll get used to carefully selecting their shows and movies so as not to "waste time."

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