According to Kaiser Family Foundation, on average kids 2-18 use an average of 5 1/2 hours of media in a day. At first glance, that seems ridiculously high but when I consider that my own preschoolers have had Spongebob and Dora playing throughout the morning, I see how it is possible. My kids aren’t continuously watching TV but it is playing in the background.

We got rid of our Cable service because we were paying a lot for their entertainment. I know there are a lot of advantages to TV. Educational lessons being one of them. Watching their favorite shows like Dora can help with beginning counting. There are also many disadvantages to TV. I don’t think 2 hours of Blue’s Clues is as bad as 2 hours of Spongebob. Of course, I know that kids show favoritism. Myles loves Spongebob but I try to encourage other shows when he is watching TV too. We also shut the TV off and have “down time”. Down time means no electronics so you have to actually read a book or play together. This is in addition to homework and other activities. 

Cable TV seems to be a staple in the average home. It is even common for kids to have their own TV in their bedrooms. That makes it easier for children to avoid down time. They need a quiet place where they can go that is media free.  I also recommend implementing family game nights and media free dinners. We don’t even answer our phones during dinner with the exception of my husband when he is working.

How often do you let your own children watch TV? How do you make sure your children have down time?

This is a sponsored post but the thoughts and opinions are my own.