TURN OFF WEEK includes all screens
“Screens” are included:
television, computer, Nintendo, Playstation, Gameboy, cell phones etc. You will likely want to allow use of screens for work or homework purposes.
HELPFUL HINTS DURING AND AFTER TV-TURNOFF WEEK
1. Moving the television set(s) to less visible locations will make it less tempting.
2. Hide the remote control.
3. Don’t worry if children claim “I’m bored!”. Boredom often leads to creativity and physically active play.
4. Remove the TV set from your child’s bedroom. A television in the bedroom draws children away from family activities and distracts them from homework, thinking, reading, and sleeping. In addition, parents may find it difficult to monitor programs that are inappropriate or unhealthy.
5. Keep the TV off during dinner. Meals are a great time for conversation.
6. Limit the number of TV, video game, and computer hours you and your children watch each day. One hour per day is a good guideline. Explain your rules in positive, concrete terms. Try replacing “You can’t watch TV” with “Let’s turn off the TV so we can…”.
7. Select your TV viewing. Watch only your favourite shows and then turn the TV off. Do not surf the channels. Tape your favourite shows, and then fast-forward through the commercials. Turn the TV off when it’s not in use.
8. Involve children in household activities and meal preparation.
9. Cut the cable or consider downgrading your cable package. There are fewer channels to choose from, and monthly savings can buy active equipment, recreation passes, books, etc.
10. Replace some of the TV watching with pursuits that are more active. Look for family activities in your community. If you don’t feel like going out, put on some music and dance!
11. Be a positive role model to your children by being physically active and cutting down on screen time yourself!!
12. Be positive. This is not a punishment, but rather an opportunity for change.
TURN OFF TV AND TURN ON LIFE!!
CAUTION: CHILDREN NOT AT PLAY
Hundreds ofsatellite channels, videos, and video games all keep today's kids pinned to the screen. Instead of being outside running and playing or involved in hands on activities, they are sitting in front of the tube.Meanwhile, fighting weight problems and heart disease may be as simple as child's play.
Many people claim that they don't have time to exercise. But what would happen if they turned off the TV and othe screenns for a week? Watching television or sitting in front of the computer is a completely sedentary behavior.
Benefits of regular physical activity include better self-esteem, weight control, stronger muscles and bones, feeling more energetic and less stressed as well as overall better health. The health risks for inactivity can include heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stroke, depression, and premature death.
We have all heard the saying that a family that prays together will stay together. I would like to to add another P - PLAY.
Praying, playing and eating together can have such a significant effect on each individual in the family.
At first it will be diffcult and various members will resist the change in some form or another. But be loving, consistent and firm. It will be worth it.
Got some more hints or ideas? e-mail them to : coetsers@gmail.com
