The Process of Getting Unplugged from TV and Video Games

Are your frustrated in your efforts to get your kids away from their electronics?

You probably know that when you children do become unplugged from the entertainment media, they can more easily connect with the real world around them. But unhooking them is not easy to do. Here are some ways to begin:

Be a positive role model. Try not to leave the TV on as a background noise or a distraction. And don't watch TV yourself just to fill the time. When you watch only a few particular and favorite shows, your kids will better understand the restrictions you set for them.

Include your children in planning which shows they will watch and when. Remind them to limit their screen time to only the specific ones they have chosen. Set the amount of time they can play video games, hand-held or on the TV - perhaps specify days or times for this activity. Make up a chart so they can plan for the week. And have them be accountable by filling in the times they have watched.

Set family rules about what is and is not acceptable in terms of TV and video game usage. Let your kids know that you plan to be consistent in enforcing them. You can even buy a TV/video game time management tool that allows you to implement the time limits you have set with your children.

You may find that, as in any dramatic change, it takes many baby steps to change your kids' television viewing habits and video game playing. When you feel overwhelmed by the thought of unplugging them and limiting their screen time, remind yourself that it is a process. Celebrate the progress that you are making to create a richer and more interactive environment for your children.

And talk with your children about the advantages they have that other kids may not. Introduce them to the Fresh Air Fund - a non-profit that sponsors free summer experiences in the country and suburbs to inner city boys and girls, ages 6 to 18. Last summer the Volunteer Host Family program called Friendly Town gave close to 5,000 children a chance to enjoy a short summer vacation away from the city.

You may decide to enrich the lives of these children - and your own as well - by supporting the Fresh Air Fund camps or even becoming a host family, if you live near the east coast.

Public Service Announcements

Today we have a couple of Public Service announcements that may interest you:

The Fresh Air Fund's Host Family Program - In 2008, this organization gave close to 5,000 New York City children free summer experiences when volunteer families shared their friendship and homes for two weeks. Fresh Air Children are boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City and are eager to experience the simple pleasures of life outside the city.

Thanks to host families, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air vacations. They need hosts for the summer of 2009 and are hoping you or someone you know can help.

Link: www.freshair-newsrelease.com


Critical Issues Facing Boomers & Their Parents is a conference being sponsered by the UCLA Extension Public Policy Program and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Critical decisions regarding housing, transportation, communication and health are all core elements of dealing with the new reality of aging. And these are linked through public policy decision making, legal practices, and personal finance. The discussions will include policies, best practices, lessons learned and potential solutions to problems.

DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION:
Friday June 5, 2009
8:15 am – 4:30 pm
The Westin Pasadena Hotel
191 N. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena CA 91101

If interested, please call (310) 825 9971 or go to www.uclaextension.edu

Have a Happy Mother's Day - with all you do for others, for at least one day you deserve to have your family take care of you!