Does Your Child Have AnAddiction To Television?

By Nandhini Devi

Friday, June 3, 2011, 15:38

You are in the kitchen preparing dinner, your hubby is busy sending reports from the laptop and your child? Well, she has made herself comfortable in front of the television. She is not the one to be blamed though! She has no choice – she cannot disturb either of them, as both of them are busy completing essential tasks! However, little do you realize that your little one wants to actually spend time with you.

These days, your busy schedule keeps you away from everything & everyone - specially your child. This situation is alright as long as your child is still very young. But as she grows older, she has to keep up with her studies as well. If she continues with the same routine of addiction to television after school, she'll lag behind in her studies. If you start worrying about this situation at this stage, its pointless.

Its true that lack of time does not allow you to spend quality time with your child. But introducing your child to reading, games and other extra-curricular activities will certainly help them stay away from the idiot box, thus letting go of the addiction to television!

1.There is no particular age to start reading to your children. You can show pictures and read out aloud to your month old baby as well. Colors and pictures have a large impact on the child's brain. So introduce your child to books at a very early age.

2.Do not get irritated or keep the book away if the child is messing up the book or tearing away pages. Explain that it is a very precious thing for them, just like their favorite doll. These days water / spill proof books are available in the market, allowing you to easily clean up the mess.

3.Regular reading sessions between you and your child, allows your child to build up his reading capabilities at an earlier age. By the time they are 4-5 years old, they are in a position to read simple books themselves. It does not matter if they are reading the exact word, it is alright if they are able to comprehend the name of the thing by looking at the picture.

4.Devote at least 15 minutes everyday to sit and read with your child. If it is a book with a broader vocabulary, read out the book to the child. Do not fuss if the child want you to repeat reading the same book again and again. Toddlers usually get fascinated with a particular thing for a short while.

5.Children tend to imitate what elders do. So, set an example to your child, by reading whenever you have time for yourself. This will also help the child to start reading books independently. He will not have to wait for your assistance every time he wishes to read and in a while you are bound to see that the addiction to television slowly vanishing!

6.Learn what activities your child enjoys most – music, dance, games etc. and enroll them into a class. This again adds to their skills and talent, thus helping the addiction to television forgotten!

Children who are made familiar with the above mentioned methods, will learn to keep themselves occupied, without bothering their parents much. Similarly, parents too can relax a little knowing that their little one is letting his mind work. Your child realizes the importance of learning and explores new domains from where he can gain knowledge. Therefore, here is your solution to the addiction of television when it comes to your little tots!