Limiting TV in the Home

Question: I am concerned about the impact of television in our home. How can we control it without resorting to dictatorial rules and regulations?

Answer: It seems that we have three objectives as parents: First, we want to monitor the quality of the programs our children watch. Second, we want to regulate the quantity of television they see. Even good programs may have an undesirable influence on the rest of children's activities if they spend too much time watching them. Third, we should include the entire family in establishing a TV policy.

I read about a system recently that is very effective in accomplishing all three of these purposes. First, it was suggested that parents sit down with the children and agree upon a list of approved programs that are appropriate for each age level. Then type that list (or at least write it clearly) and enclose it in clear plastic so it can be referred to throughout the week.

Second, either purchase or make a roll of tickets. Issue each child ten tickets per week, and let him or her use them to "buy" the privilege of watching the programs on the approved list. When the tickets are gone, television viewing is over for that week. This teaches a child to be discriminating about what is watched. A maximum of ten hours of viewing per week might be an appropriate place to start, compared with the national average of forty to fifty hours per week. That's far too much, especially for an elementary school child.

This system can be modified to fit individual home situations or circumstances. If there's a special program that all the children want to see, such as a feature broadcast or a holiday program during Christmas and Thanksgiving, you can issue more tickets. You might also give extra tickets as rewards for achievement or some other laudable behavior.

The real test will occur when parents reveal whether or not they have the courage to put themselves on that limited system, too. We often need the same regulations in our viewing habits!

By Dr. James Dobson