2 Simple Ways to Get Kids to Watch Less TV

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37% IS "fewer than half". It sounds like parents and kids are saying the same things about limits. What is "The bottom line: consistency counts" supposed to be telling us?
Also, while I wouldn't disagree that there are too many couch potato kids, the article implies that any kid who isn't in an "organized" activity must be a couch potato. That's simply false.

E of GA 9:23AM August 06, 2010

I have to agree with the nanny's comment that parents grossly underreport how much screen time their kids get. I would guess kids in my neighborhood watch more like 6-8 hours a day in the summer. They are never outside and aren't doing that many organized activities. Also, when they come over to see my son they always report having watched a ton of TV before they came over.

Jen of IN 8:04PM July 07, 2010

As an ex live-in nanny for several families in four different states I can tell you that parents fib as to how much time their children spend in front of the t.v, computer and video games. Let's do the math; add up the video game legnths and childs' favorite t.v. shows and the time exceeds what the average parent will admit to. Parents have exchanged pacifiers and blankies for technology and Ritalin!

Medi Tate of CA 3:37PM July 05, 2010

Here we go again- TV is evil and children should not watch it. I have a 2 year-old and I let her watch educational TV in short 30 minute spurts during the day. We also spend 2 hours at the local park each day. And play together ( away from the TV ) in her room for another 2 hours. Then she naps and that takes care of most of the day. There is nothing wrong with some TV...parents just need to use common sense and not overdo it.

Ana of KS 9:05PM June 19, 2010