Vtech V.Smile TV Learning System User Manual - Page 3

PARENT'S TV TIPS A Healthy, Balanced "TV Diet" By Dr. Helen Boehm Television was long considered the "uninvited" guest in American households. However, today many realistic and caring parents are partnering with television to create electronic classrooms - right in their own living rooms. They are no longer asking if children should watch TV but, rather, which programs and on-screen activities should be part of their children's TV intake. The same balanced and structured approach to developing healthy eating habits translates to watching less, different and better television! This "TV diet" gives families a menu for regulating children's viewing, choosing "healthy" program content and reducing the quantity and potency of television consumed. So, what does a healthy, balanced "TV diet" look like? A well balanced diet is best... Consider a healthy mixture of age-appropriate programming and activities that educate, engage and entertain! A variety of viewing and interactive experiences can turn a TV screen into an electronic classroom for learning and fun. Trim the fat... It is important to reduce children's sedentary behavior and eliminate unhealthy programs that contain violent, aggressive or disrespectful behaviors. Move out of the candy store... Parents are children's first teachers and their most powerful role models. It is difficult to improve children's viewing when parents are modeling other TV viewing behaviors. Consider adapting your own TV habits as a healthy example for your child. Plan menus and season to taste... Whenever possible, eliminate channel surfing and encourage the viewing of specific, pre-selected shows. The PG-TV ratings help parents make more informed selections that take into account the content and ageappropriateness of programs. For example, Y-7 shows are designed for 2