Activities to Keep Children Away From the TV

One downside to excessive televising viewing is that children don't get as much exercise and might be more likely to gain weight than children who don't watch much television. Parents should introduce entertaining, educational and stimulating alternatives that encourage children to turn off the television. William H. Deitz, pediatrician and obesity expert at Tufts University School of Medicine, suggests that the easiest way to reduce inactivity in children is to turn the television set off. Consider some alternative activities to keep little hands, minds and bodies away from the television set.

  1. Outdoor Activities

    • Many children like being active, which is good for their bodies. Provide sports equipment and other outdoor items to encourage children to play outdoors instead of staying glued to the television. Some outdoor activity ideas include playing baseball, basketball or other sports. It also includes playing with items such as bubbles, jump ropes and with sand toys in sandbox. Participate with and supervise children in outdoor activities and encourage them to play with others at playgrounds or in the neighborhood.

    Field Trips &Family Outings

    • Plan entertaining and educational activities for children. A field trip can include visiting a local museum or cultural center or taking a tour of a factory. Act like a tourist and visit the attractions in your hometown and snap plenty of pictures to document the day. A family outings is another way to encourage children to stay away from the television. A family outing can be a simple picnic in the park or a visit to an amusement park or festival.

    Crafts

    • Crafts stimulate children's imaginations and help develop their hand-eye coordination and fine-motor skills. Create a craft box full of items such as fabric scraps, feathers, buttons and glitter. Also provide glue, crayons, markers and paper. Encourage children to create items out of their imaginations such as an alien or a map of an imaginary country. Or ask children to create paper bag puppets that resemble their best friend or a family member.

    Other Activities

    • Other activities that encourage children to stay away from the television include reading. Provide books that are age and reading-level appropriate. Implement a family reading time, when all the members of the family read together. Other activities include imaginative play with blocks, dolls and play sets. Or consider giving children lessons in music, art or dance.

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