How o distract your child from television?

Kids constantly want to be entertained and what better way than to watch back-to-back shows on the television. Constant exposure to the harsh light of television will harm your little one’s eyes. So, let us help you in your efforts to minimize your kid’s screen time. Here are a few tips that are sure to get your child’s attention away from the TV.

1. Get them outdoors

Make it a routine to take them to a park or a play area or your backyard (If you’re lucky enough to have one) at least once a day. An hour or more of play time will exhaust them. This will also ensure that they don’t sit right in front of the TV as soon as they reach home. Apart from this, plan some adventure filled outings like trekking, treasure hunt or even a visit to the local museum can be super exciting.

2. Creativity is the key

Make art supplies like paints, papers and crayons available all around the house, especially in common areas where your kids tend to spend a lot of time in. This will be a fun source of entertainment for them especially if you encourage them by putting up their artworks on the refrigerator or the wall.

3. Books. Books everywhere

If you find your child constantly in front of the television then it’s time that you show them why books are the best friends anyone could ever ask for. Start slow with a bedtime story and get them invested in the books. Buy books of different genre to see what might interest your child. Take your child to a library every week or so to let them explore their likes and dislikes.

4. Indoor games

Board games are fun for the entire family. You can minimize screen time – Television, smartphones and Tablets by indulging in some fun games like scrabble, snakes and ladders, ludo and so on. You can even play carroms or chess if your kid is a little older. Oh, and don’t forget puzzles that are super exciting.

5. Cover the TV

Deploy the old “out of sight, out of mind” technique and try to keep the Television hidden. If your television is in a cabinet then you can keep it closed or try covering it with a piece of cloth. Your child won’t go through the effort of uncovering the TV and switching it on. You can even try moving your television to a room where your child won’t be spending much time.

6. Be a role model

Reduce the amount of time you spend watching your television, smartphones and other electronic devices. This will prompt your child to follow in your footsteps. All that freed up time will translate into some quality time with your family.