Winter is a time when many people, including children, retreat to the comfort of the couch. If your kiddos indulged in too much TV over break, now is a better time than ever to nip those bad habits in the bud. Start tracking how much time your family spends in front of a screen, including things like TV and DVD watching, playing video games, and using the computer for something other than school or work. Could some changes be made? Watching TV can become a force of habit, making it easy to forget what else is out there. Read on for ideas to help you and your whole family start the new year off right!
Here’s to a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2012!
~Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
Medical Editor, HealthyChildren.org
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Where We Stand: TV Viewing Time |
At the AAP, we strongly discourage television viewing for children under age 2, and encourage interactive play instead. Limit an older child’s TV viewing to less than two hours per day. Go >
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What Children are NOT Doing When Watching TV |
Learn about the opportunities for active intellectual, emotional, artistic, and physical growth that your child is missing out on while in front of the TV, and discover what you can do to help. Go >
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Encouraging Your Child to be Physically Active |
Parents can play a key role in helping their children become more physically active. Here are 11 great ways to get started. Go >
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