Weaning Your Kids Off Winter TV

Tuesday, 01 March 2011 | by Pat's Picks

This winter has been ruled by one all-powerful entity: the electronic baby sitter. Boston Globe writer Beth Teitell says after a record number of snow days, sick days and work-from-home days, TV became a go-to for many desperate parents. And now that the snow is melting, some are finding out that weaning their kids off of TV is a task more difficult than spring cleaning.

Parenting experts warn that each time you cave in and allow just one more episode of “Dora the Explorer,” you’re setting the scene for your next negotiation: “if you relent one time, that becomes the child’s set point for the next negotiation.” They suggest a “when, then’’ plan and even give some sample dialogue: “When all the yucky stuff is done — your homework, your family chores, your backpack is ready, your clothes are out for the next day — then you can have screen time.’’ Unfortunately, there’s no example to follow when, upon hearing that there’s no more TV time, your kid stomps their foot and throws a tantrum.