Am i creating a tv addict, by not allowing him watch to much tv?

Question

I only limit him to 1 hour of tv a day, which the experts say to do. But i worry, because my 4 year old is constantly asking for it. I feel that i'm going create this tv addict in the future, because i'm depriving him of it.

Answer 1

4 years old and one hour sounds fine.

everytime he wants tv, avert his attention elsewhere.

bring him to the park, give him a small snack, make up play dates, bring him to preschool, don't let him watch too much, because most boys do in fact become obsessed with tv. it's normal for a kid to love tv, especially a young boy, but let him watch what's appropriate for a small amount of time. balance is key.

Answer 2

Does he always ask for cookies? IF you say no, will he grow to be morbidly obese?

Don't worry. Tell him too much makes you less intelligent and you know he's brilliant.

I had the same rule and as an adult I could not care less about the idiot box.

Answer 3

I found a great way to get around the constant asking... put him in control.  It's not as crazy as it sounds- you are still in charge- he only thinks he is...

My kids are each given two, 30 minute "tickets" (I just made them on the computer).  They can "spend" them any way they want... they  look at the guide on the TV, and choose two 30 minute or a 1 hour show that they want to watch during the day.  When they want to "cash in" to watch a show, they give me one of the tickets.  Once the show is over, they have to turn off the TV.  Once they use both their tickets- that is all for the day.  It has really helped eliminate the constant asking for TV, when all I have to say is, "Sure... Do you have a ticket?"  When they realized that they were in control of what they wanted to watch (within reason, of course- they are only 9 and 4, so they have to be Disney Channel or something else G rated), and had the freedom to use their tickets as they wanted, the whining has stopped.  And- I'm not the bad guy telling them that they can't watch TV... I get to say, "Sure you can watch!"- and the TICKETS are the bad guys!  We've been doing this for about three weeks now, and it has been working out great for all of us.  I feel better knowing that they are not spending all day watching TV, and they feel in control of their watching time.  

Answer 4

I don't think you will as your 4 year old does get some television.

I do know some parents use TV as a reward system, if they do their chores (and 4 is plenty old enough to do some simple chores, like picking up their toys) they get a ticket for TV time and then they can 'spend' their tickets as they want.

Answer 5

Aren't we all tv addicts? I turn mine on in the morning for the morning news.  When I get home from work, I turn it on.  And I put a mirror in my bedroom so I can watch TV in any position I'm laying.  I'd say I'm more of a tv-nista.

Answer 6

Kids are always going to ask for things they can not have saying no is not depriving him of anything. Make sure that T.V. is not the most exciting part of his day. If it is then of course he will asking more often than not. You could make it a privilege and only let him watch if he does his chores if he does them with out being told them give him an extra 1/2 hour. I don't believe over an hour of T.V. will damage our children if they are being mentally and physically challenge beyond Barney. He might even look forward to you allowing him 2 hr. Sat. morning cartoons. Sounds like your a loving mother. Good Day!