Relax And Enjoy Free

Posts Tagged ‘Television’

Are you an Internet TV and Video watcher or thinking about becoming one or never heard such a thing?

According to a previous Pew report, 62% of Internet video users uploaded, downloaded and watched videos using a computer, cell phone or some other device. And what’s even more remarkable is, this number increased by 33% in the US during Dec. 2006.

Today, more and more people from all walks of life (Worldwide) are combing the Internet searching for all kinds of free content to watch on their PCs such as, favorite TV channels, shows/episodes, movies, sports, news, adult TV, radio stations, music videos, computer games, etc. 

What caused this trend? Perhaps it had something to do with a slow economy, tight budgets, enormous amount of popular media being streamed online by TV networks, or something to do with current lifestyle such as…
… Always on the go, more computers in households, less TV space at a college dorm or cutting/downsizing a  Satellite/Cable subscription to save costs.

Whatever the case my be, the report also showed the vast majority of Internet TV/Video watchers were people 18-29 years old. The number of Internet watchers that visited video sites during 2003 grew by 339%, according to Nielsen media ratings.

In addition, the time spent on those sites grew to almost 2,000% and during 2008 the number of Internet video watchers grew 10%.
As the youth movement continues to rise, older adults age 50 and over are the least likely to watch videos online, but the number is growing. Only 40% from age 50-64 years old where Internet video watchers had an increase from 38% in 2008.

As a result, more males than females are Internet video watchers and by the way, all the numbers mentioned previously are no where near the total number of home video watchers. But I’ll bet Internet TV and traditional television will merge together more as time goes on.

With all the free content being streamed to the Internet today by television networks across the globe, Internet users can watch their favorite episodes such as, CSI, Fringe, Family Guy, Star Trek, Bones, and 24, as well as…
…Gain access to channels like HBO, ESPN, CNN, Discover, MTV, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and thousands of other local, national and internal media…
…It’s no wonder why young Internet TV/Video watchers are so enamored with all the free entertainment provided–as it seems to fit their current lifestyles to a tee when gaining more television variety, savings, freedom, flexibility and mobility than traditional TV.

When I first discovered Internet television, it was a few years ago in an office where I use to work. But it wasn’t until I had to cut Cable to save costs that I began watching free Worldwide sports, TV shows/episodes, movies, news, and adult TV, including listening to radio and music on my Toshiba Satellite laptop.

With the option to watch my favorite entertainment wherever I go or connect my super computer Internet TV system to my television set, I become hooked on Internet TV–not to say I don’t watch traditional television sometimes.
When adding the Internet I simply add another dimension that works quite well with my lifestyle.

Once upon a time, it was only a couple of ways to watch a missed episode like “Lost”. Either you had to pay a monthly fee for a DVR (digital video recorder) from your good ole cable company or TiVo. Later on, you could possibly have purchased it on itunes.

But now, with all the (old and new) free Internet TV shows, episodes, sports, movies, radio, music, and other cool stuff available that continues to be on the rise, you can watch television online with access to anything and everything. Call it a free library of streaming live and on-demand content that adds another dimension to traditional television.

Free Internet TV is growing and has triggered a Worldwide interest, especially among the young generation–ages 17 to 40s and older adults–ages 50 and up. Now the big networks and movie studios are keeping a close watch. How they will tap into this market to reach financial gains is beginning to take fold but in the experimental stage.

Everyone including the music industry are experimenting with multiple ideas to see how the Internet can work for them. Musicians are now producing, marketing, and recording their own music online, as well as branding their names with some success. In turn, this could lead to other entertainers doing the same thing.

One way to harness the Internet and tap into all of its free entertainment online instantly is through a top software service that comes as a package. Doing so will help streamline the process and lower the learning curve while organizing the entire laptop/desktop computer Internet TV setup. Gaining instant access to whatever is of interest becomes childsplay.

Sticking with the top brand names while staying away from the bad and ugly software pretty much eliminates the risk and scam factors, as well as eliminating any illegal use that taps into paid television networks or channels.

It can be argued that Internet TV offers the next best thing to Satellite and Cable. But the truth of the matter is downloading legal software that uses the term Satellite TV doesn’t imply the actual thing. However, gaining access to free-HBO, free-ESPN, Discovery, and other channels have always been free to the public. It’s just that paid television networks carried them and brainwashed many people to believing they could only be accessed through them.

Watch Television Online With Ease and Access to 1000s of Channels Instantly

So what makes downloading a top leading Internet TV software service and package such a great choice today? Well, let’s count the ways…

1. They are great newbie-helpers whereas all the work is already completed to gain free access to any favorite content such as, sporting event, TV show/episode, movie, news, radio, music, unlimited videos and 1000s of other free content–all coming from 78+ Countries in many different languages

2. Creating a super computer Internet television has never been easier when using a laptop or desktop computer with an Internet broadband or wireless (wifi) connection. The package includes a pre-loaded Satellite TV player–developed by the merchant, an all-in-one member’s area, and amenities that includes a lifetime membership with free software upgrades, channel updates, and tech support. This keeps the player like-new and up to date with the all-in-one member’s area links updated–also leads to all the best entertainment online

3. Creates an extra TV on the fly, while eliminating sharing a television set with others or arguing over the remote. Also great for kids when taking long trips, or using it at work, traveling, living on a college campus, etc

4. Eliminates looking for free content and becoming frustrated when searching for sports that’s often hard to find such as your local team, a playoff game or superbowl.

These are only some of the benefits–there’s plenty more of course. But why should anyone want to watch television online when they already have a paid TV service and/or entertainment center at home? There’s only one simple answer to this and it has to do with mobile TV, as well as having the freedom to create your own type of computer Internet television system. And that also includes connecting it to your system at home to watch television online for free.

Television is an extremely attractive and appealing medium. It has the power to captivate millions at once. But it is not always possible to carry a TV wherever we go. Circumstances sometimes may not allow us to reach out to a TV to watch our favourite shows. In these cases, iTV has given man an immense power to stay connected to the world with which he can catch up through his Computer itself.

Watching TV through Internet is a boon for the television lovers. Through this, they can watch TV on their computer screens and avail numerous benefits that come with it. For instance, the viewer has access to a wide variety of online stations and he gets to choose from numerous programs present online. He can have a list of all the programs made till the date on the desired fields. It can be world sports; to be specific, world basketball; to be more precise, all matches of Phoenix and to land up in the area of fascination, all matches in which Steve Nash of team Phoenix was there. All he needs to have is a high speed broadband connection and he can get what he wants at the time when he exactly yearns for it.

Besides, he becomes capable to watch free online services be it news, music, sports or movies at his own convenience. While he is able to watch adult TV in privacy, he can also install multiple softwares for kids to watch shows, episodes and programs from their rooms itself. Thus, with numerous benefits, this TV is gaining distinguished popularity these days.

Through online TV, one can avail free entertainment at the touch of his fingertips. He gets to watch online TV shows and thus he doesn’t to have to participate in the remote wars. Further, he can enjoy numerous home made videos and has the power to pause and rewind so as to enjoy favorite parts of a show.

There are numerous Online TV websites available to choose from. For instance, YouTring and AOL etc. all with different sets of features and benefits. However, the ultimate decision rests in the hands of the viewer as to what exactly he wants to see. With iTV, one can see unseen or the censored parts of the shows as well without doctoring as online programming is uncensored and contains a lot of real things that happen world over. Furthermore, he gets to enjoy the entire original version of the program and most importantly, he doesn’t has to wait for the show. He doesn’t need to try hard to approach a TV whenever his preferred show screens on it. Thus, Internet TV is surely engendering the TV viewing.

Television has become part of our modern day life; it is a wanted feature in the sitting room of virtually any modern day family.

It comes in different sizes and shapes and could be very expensive. Television is good, informative, educative and entertaining.

With 24 hours service of most television station and hundreds of cable channels available, entertainment tends to be unlimited. The television comprises of programs covering almost all aspect of life.

But as good as television is to the family, parents needs to understand the fact that there is danger in ceaseless and uncensored viewing of television at home.

Television can be a very great enemy of intimacy in marriage. It is important to note that most couples hardly have time to talk together any longer.

Statistics shows that most husbands are drawn towards news, sport, music and crime channels while the wives focus their attention to fashion and movie channels; thereby spending nothing less than six hours watching television daily.

Couples should learn to curtail the number of hours they spent watching television. This could be done by viewing specific program together. parents needs to understand the fact that there is danger in ceaseless and uncensored viewing of television at home

Parents should watch out and keep an eye on what their children are watching on television. Educate them also on what to watch and what not to watch as television as contribute in no small measure to the level of moral decadence and juvenile delinquencies in the family. Television should be informative, never allow it to deform your home.

DISH Network – About Satellite Television Service

Satellite Television

Consumers now have a wide range of options to bring entertainment into their homes through their television screens. For many years, cable was the preferred provider for many homes in America. In the past fifteen years, satellite services have become more and more popular. Now with more than twenty million subscribers and thousands more signing on each month, satellite service is the top choice for many consumers.

Setting up a satellite system in your home can be very easy and inexpensive with the great promotional offers through the top satellite providers. To introduce satellite service to your home, you will need to install a small satellite dish with exposure to the southern sky. Inside your home, a receiver can be connected to each television set to deliver exceptional quality in picture and a wide range of channels. Many have the misconception that with a satellite system, everyone in the house must watch the same channels. That is no longer than the case. With a receiver in each room, every person in your family will have their choice of programming on each television.

Satellite service has become more reliable over the years. There is no longer the threat of losing your signal often during thunderstorms or other weather situations. You will be able to continue to enjoy your satellite service whether the sun is shining or the rain is pouring down. Perhaps the most common misconception is that satellite prevents you from being able to welcome local channels into your home. The top satellite providers now provide access to local channels in most markets at no additional charge. There’s no need to trade your local news for the broad offerings of entertainment through satellite services – now you can have them both.

Many consumers choose satellite service not only for the exceptional quality but for the great value. Compared to cable television, satellite services offer more channels of entertainment for your hard earned dollars. In addition, there are a variety of packages offered to meet the needs of your family. Even small packages often offer more than 100 channels. Satellite services offer the ability to customize your service to the viewing habits of your family. Additional packages include extensive sports, music and movie channels. You can subscribe to as little or as many as you would like to provide entertainment to your entire household.

In the United States, satellite services are available through two providers – DISH Network and DIRECTV.

Both services provide excellent customer service and quality digital signals resulting in an excellent picture. Unlike with cable companies, DISH Network and DIRECTV both offer continuous specials that make their service even more attractive to their growing customer base.

To learn more about special deals available on DISH Network satellite services, go to SatelliteSales.com

© 2006 SatelliteSales.com. All rights reserved.

After several years of watching Satellite and Cable networks steadily increase their rates, some consumers fell victim to the rising costs left by an ailing economy. They either downgraded their subscriptions to basic service or eliminated them altogether when turning to free Internet TV. In doing so saved about $50.00 off their monthly bills while gaining access to favorite shows, episodes, movies, sports, and other great content from the Internet

Video is becoming more and more available via alternative technology, portability, and mobile devices that can access free Internet content instantly. Many believe including myself that it’s better to reinvest money into television on a PC which in hindsight helps combat an ailing economy, raising costs, and can add an extra TV when needed.

Just a couple of years ago, Internet video watchers increased dramatically. This rise was attributed to websites such as Joost, Hulu, Fancast, YouTube, and others providing free content from Satellite/Cable broadcasters such a,s ABC, NBC, CBS Fox, etc. Today, this enormous video on-demand library includes everything from “Bones” and “CNN” to “Shopping Online” and “30 Rock.”

To support this rising interest, research shows the highest number of online video watchers to be among the young generation (pre-teens, teens, 20s, and 30s). But the number of offline video watchers still remain number one. In addition, the older generation (40s and up) is taking more interest in television on the Internet each year.

These consumers fall into a select group of live TV and video watchers called cord cutters which is a loosely defined term when viewers either cancel or downgrade their paid TV services in favor of television on Internet. Although home video watchers are at an all-time high according to the Nielsen Media Research and faces no immediate threat from free Internet media, online video watchers are growing ever so slightly.

As a result: This watching TV online platform that continues to provide free and newly added content such as, television episodes, sports, movies, news, radio, and music from across the globe, promotes a greater interest that will cause more people not to buy subscription video–if they can get the same stuff totally free.

Cutting TV Costs with Television on PC

Even though a figure can’t be placed on the number of cord cutters, this niche is still relatively small, perhaps at 1% (+/-) out of the total number of TV and video watchers. Subsequently, it could have something to do with some of the drawbacks. Watching TV shows online isn’t the same as television relaxing on a couch with a remote. However, with an ailing economy and high costs that plunge deeper into the pockets, more consumers are ditching paid TV.

For college students, families, and the unemployed with bills to pay, there is no monthly expense when watching television online. In addition, the upside is having more TV variety, savings, freedom, flexibility, and mobility than traditional television. Using a laptop with an Internet broadband or wireless (wifi) connection does wonders when on the go, and creates instant TV from any location while at home or when traveling Worldwide.

Internet media providers especially the top ones are gaining more Worldwide appeal than ever before. This in turn made some eye brows rise in the paid TV industry who sees this as a potential revenue making opportunity. Once this trend really booms, and it will someday, consumers will have access to more free channels, stations, and videos across the globe.

Whether consumers find more or less time to watch television, Satellite/Cable networks don’t have the answers to everyone’s lifestyle. There are all kinds of set-top boxes which one can buy/rent and download/watch TV shows, videos, and movies while paying $0.99 or more per episode or movie. On the other hand, software, live feeds networks, and hardware can be utilized as alternative gateways to delivering streaming live and recorded channels, videos, movies, and sports across the globe.

Internet television is a means to an end when it comes to paying high Cable/Satellite TV costs and lack of quality entertainment with free-to-air television. When consumers are left with no other choices and must either cancel or downgrade from their paid media, watching TV shows online has its advantages.

There are free, cheap, and high cost ways to watching Internet television. But choosing the best gateway that brings television to ones PC depends on his/her budget, tech know-how, time on hand, and interest.

There are millions of satellite television customers, and many of them make use of the incredible range of options and programming that satellite providers tend to offer. For example, sports fans can subscribe to entire seasons of professional sports, and also enjoy unique commentary programs and multiple game viewing for several months at a time. Of course this is not limited only to national games and sports, but also includes numerous international venues as well. For instance a fan of true European soccer can sign on for an entire season of games from some of the world’s best locations.

While international sports are popular, people who arrive in the United States from other lands might also miss some of their “hometown” programs, and this is where satellite equipment prevails. Because satellites orbit the Earth, they can gain access to signals from every single country. This means that they offer programs from all of the inhabited continents and people from Korea to Germany can subscribe to special packages or seasonal services in order to enjoy shows and special events on their televisions.

Additionally, many major broadcasters from around the globe make their signals available to satellite companies as well and this means that news programs from England to Australia, as well as kid’s shows from China and Africa can make their way to the televisions of people all around the country.

While subscribing to various worldwide stations might be of interest to some satellite television customers, there are others who are looking for the world of movies, games, music and culture…and they can find these as well in a satellite television subscription.

For example, a real movie fanatic will have access to the more traditional networks, but will also be able to order independent movie stations, foreign film networks, and a host of unique pay per view and subscription programs – such as film festivals – that cannot be found anywhere else.

They can also opt to sign on for entirely interactive gaming networks and stations that pit them in “live” competition against other players from around the country as well. While these may have a few seconds delay, they offer a rare chance to meet new friends and compete in fun and exciting games.

Finally, satellite subscribers can also gain immediate access to an enormous range of satellite radio broadcasts and stations. This means news, music and entertainment from around the world can be broadcast through their home!

While cable networks and providers rush to improve the “broadband network” they simply cannot reach the millions of signals, stations, programs and events that are able to be captured on satellites. The satellite providers all know this and offer as much of this material as possible to their customers. The satellite companies can deliver service to someone located anywhere in the continental United States. That means that one hundred percent of the population can enjoy satellite programming from all around the world, which is something that no cable company can match.

I don’t know about you, but the TV is on in my house far more than I like.  Before resorting to throwing it out a window, I decided to do some research to see if TV is as bad as my gut tells me it is.  While there are a few bright spots, research says most of what is on TV is worse than neutral. Most television programs harm our children.

Television is a tool. If we use it wisely, it can educate and entertain. There are excellent shows like Sesame Street, Blues Clues, Discovery, History, and shows on hobbies like cooking. When age appropriate, TV can expand our children’s horizons.   But most TV is limiting our children. The following is a summary of the research and more importantly, suggestions of things we as parents can do to minimize and mitigate the damage. Keep in mind that the following also applies to computer use, music videos, DVD’s, etc.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that television viewing can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior. Most of us are aware that Sesame Street teaches children who are ready for it, letters and numbers. Mr. Rogers teaches pro-social values. But many of us forget that by the same token, ALL television programs are teaching our children something.  And when we take a close look at what most programs are teaching our children, it can be rather scary. Research on children’s behavior, school performance, weight, sleeping habits, and brain development back up the assertion that TV is harming our children.

Violent Behavior – Literally thousands of studies have looked at whether there is a link between exposure to media violence and violent behavior. Over 98% say yes.  The evidence from the research is overwhelming.   According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Extensive research evidence indicates that media violence can contribute to aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, nightmares, and fear of being harmed.” Children become immune to the horror of violence, gradually accept violence as a way to solve problems, imitate violence they observe on TV, and identify with characters (victims or victimizers) they see on TV.

Research has shown that the more hours children spend watching TV, the more likely they are to display aggressive impulses and hostile feelings. This effect has been found to apply whether the televised behavior is performed by a human or by a cartoon character. And aggressive impulses have been found to occur with girls as well as boys and with teenagers and adults as well as children.

Many parents think that since they grew up on violent cartoons and turned out alright, their children will also. But studies have found that the amount of violence has increased dramatically and the type of violence has changed. It is now more pervasive, more sinister, and more frighteningly realistic.

And the effect is lasting.  Watching TV at age four was one factor found to be associated with bullying in grade school.

Other Behaviors – Kids who watch more TV start smoking at an earlier age. Television viewing was a stronger influence on starting smoking than peer smoking or parental smoking.

Exposure to alcohol use on TV and in music videos (such as on MTV) is a risk factor for increased drinking in adolescents.  Exposure to sexual content increases the likelihood that children will become sexually active earlier in life.

School Performance – Research has a lot to say about television and school performance. Television viewing may replace activities that we know help with school performance, such as reading, doing homework, pursuing hobbies, and getting enough sleep. Television’s effects on education are long term – positive and negative. Studies have found the following:

Children who watched exclusively educational TV as preschoolers had higher grades, less aggression, and placed more value on academics than those who watched all kinds of TV.

Children who watched little television before the age of three had significantly better scores in math and reading at age six.

Watching television as a child affected educational achievement at age 26. Watching more television in childhood increased chances of dropping out of school and decreased chances of getting a college degree, even after controlling for confounding factors.

Children who watched a lot of violent television at age 5½, defined as cartoons and G-rated movies, had lower grade point averages in English, math, and science in high school. Each hour per day viewing for kids 5 – 15 was associated with a 30% reduction in likelihood of obtaining a college degree even with IQ and parent’s level of education taken into account.

Children under 2½ who watched Sesame Street (the version designed for 3-5 year olds) showed a slower rate of language acquisition than those who didn’t.  Shows such as Power Rangers and Teletubbies slow children’s development in vocabulary, reading and math skills.

Weight – TV is one factor in childhood obesity. Studies have shown that the more TV watched, the more likelihood of a child being overweight. Having a TV in a child’s bedroom increases the chances of obesity even more. The more TV watched as a child the higher weight, serum cholesterol, poor fitness and likelihood of smoking in adults. Girls who watch a lot of TV are at increased risk of developing eating disorders.

Sleep/Relaxation – TV viewing leads to sleep problems, especially if viewed right before bedtime. Many of us have the idea that TV is relaxing. I know I did.  And while we are viewing it, it is relaxing, although not as relaxing as reading a book.  But studies show that a person is less relaxed after the TV is turned off than they were before it went on. And they are less relaxed than people who completed a physical activity or a calmer activity like reading or playing cards.

Brain Development – Research on early brain development and TV is not clear. Many studies link early television viewing with later attention problems, such as ADHD. Other experts disagree with these results. However, most researchers agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics when they state that children aged 2 and younger should have NO screen time. Children older than that should be limited to 1-2 hours per day of nonviolent, educational programming.

So what’s a parent to do?  How do we help our children develop positive television viewing habits? How do we teach our children to view television as a treat or special entertainment – especially when we may not view television that way ourselves? How can we help mitigate TV’s negative effects in a world inundated by TV? Many of the following suggestions come from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Observe – How do our children act after watching various TV shows?  Are they more violent? Are they more likely to have nightmares?  Do these behaviors decrease when we decrease/eliminate TV viewing for a period of time? Or when we eliminate certain shows? Short term effects are easier to observe – long term effects are far more muddled.

Listen – What are our children saying after viewing different shows?  What do they seem to be feeling?  Reflect back to them what you think they are saying or feeling. This may help them and you clarify their thoughts and feelings.  Do they understand what happened? Very often children miss the story line completely or get a different view than adults anticipate. It is easier to address children’s feelings and perceptions in a calm, factual way after we have truly listened to what they are.

Ask questions, and listen some more – Questions can help our children think about what they’ve seen, process it, and clarify values. Questions, adjusted for age, might include: Are characters mad, sad, scared?  Who might be hurt?  How do you think they feel now?  Would someone get hurt if they did that in real life? (Often children, especially those under 8, can’t distinguish fantasy and reality.)  What would happen if you tried that?  What safety equipment do you think is there but not shown? (Sometimes even older children mimic behavior shown on reality TV shows).  Did anyone break things?  Who is going to fix it?  Why do you think that character hurt the other?  What could be done instead without hurting anyone?  What would you do if you were that character?  Does the character look unnaturally thin? How many people really look like that in real life?

Listen and share views – Was there a moral to the story and did your children get it?  Was there no moral to the story or no consequences and do our children think they can get away with unacceptable behavior because their favorite character did?  Tie the story into your family’s values.  Studies show that in areas where a child does not know his/her parents’ point of view and has little knowledge or experience to use as guidelines, television can clearly influence beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. Point out that although the actor has not actually been hurt or killed, such violence in real life results in pain or death.  For older children/teens, use controversial programming as a stepping-off point to initiate discussions about family values, violence, sex and sexuality, and drugs.  Reinforce positive behaviors and positive nutritional messages seen on TV. Present alternatives to violence.

Challenge claims of advertisements – will they really make you happier, more popular, sexier. Explain what the purpose of advertising is.

Acknowledge children’s need to feel grown up and current with the latest TV shows.  This doesn’t mean letting them watch shows you are not comfortable with, it means letting them know you realize their desires.

Reduce/Eliminate screen time – Discourage television viewing for children younger than 2 years, and encourage more interactive activities that will promote proper brain development, such as talking, playing, singing, and reading together.  Be aware of second-hand television – younger children watching shows their older siblings or parents watch.  It is okay to say that some programs are just for grown ups. This could include news – which can be traumatic for younger children, quiz shows, reality shows.

Limit children’s total screen time (TV, videos, computer games) to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality programming per day. Again monitoring is crucial. The V-chip is industry regulated, and very loose in interpretation. Often programs that purport to be educational, really aren’t. Eliminating or reducing TV on school nights sends the message that school is more important than TV.

Monitor – Monitor the shows children and adolescents are viewing.  Most programs should be informational, educational, and nonviolent. Choose shows that engage through challenging and interesting content, rather than flashy graphics and noise.   Make sure programs are age and developmentally appropriate. Do your children pay attention and interact with the program? If not, it may be too complicated or too easy.

If you haven’t put a TV in your child’s bedroom, don’t.  If there is already a TV there, consider removing it.  Studies show that children with a TV in the bedroom watch over an hour more TV per day than children who don’t.  And it is far more difficult/impossible to monitor and discuss program content if the TV is in the bedroom.

Refuse to let children see shows known to be violent. Change the channel or turn off the TV when offensive material comes on. Make sure you give an explanation of why. If you choose to view a violent show with your children, stress the belief that violence is not the best way to resolve a problem.

Minimize the scary stuff, especially programs that glamorize or sexualize violence – even (especially?) for tweens and teens. If you choose to watch violence, make sure there are real consequences.

Talk to other parents – While you can control viewing at home, unless the screen is in a bedroom, you cannot control what is viewed at other homes unless you are in contact and agreement with those parents. Similar rules help minimize peer pressure.

Plan TV viewing – Do you control TV – or does TV control your family life?  Does TV bring your family together or pull it apart?  How much TV do your children watch?  Does your guess include TV watched at friends, at daycare, in their bedroom, after you are asleep, watching what another family member is watching? What is the content and quality of the programs your children watch? What is the context of what they watch?  Is TV on in the background so one eye is on TV and the other on trying to hold a conversation?  Do you channel surf out of boredom or intentionally choose a program?  Is this the result you want?  Most parents don’t know the answers to or haven’t really thought about these questions.  Keeping a TV diary for a couple of weeks will help answer these questions and get you started towards mindful viewing. Mindful viewing means treating TV as the tool it is and consciously using it to help your children, not harm them.

Use the videocassette recorder wisely to show or record high-quality, educational programming for children.

Consider going cold turkey – Studies of families going without TV for a period of time find that after the initial withdrawal symptoms – and they saw anxiety, depression, and aggressiveness for the first 3 days – found that by the end of two weeks, families had adjusted and replaced TV time with other activities.  Families tried new things.  They found exciting alternatives. Most added TV back into their lives, but did so in a limited, less obtrusive, more thinking way.

Model behavior – If you want your children to view TV mindfully, you will need to set an example.

Provide alternatives – When your child says I’m bored, does it become your problem? Or is it an incentive for your child to be creative? Are the raw materials for creativity available?

Even educational TV is no substitute for active play.  Children need to spend considerable amount of time in active play.  They need active communication, talking and listening to peers and adults, especially their parents.

Encourage alternative entertainment for children, including reading, athletics, hobbies, and creative play.

What are some things you can do together? Can you prepare dinner together? Can your child play in the kitchen with the pots and pans while you get dinner? What activities are available that you can do together? Can you play board games or cards together (altering rules so younger children have a chance)? Often newspapers or websites have lists of inexpensive or free activities that can be done as a family.

Make your children part of the planning process.  They may come up with all kinds of fun things you might not think of. And it will make them more invested in the process of more mindful TV viewing. Your family could make a boredom jar.  When your children say they are bored, they get to pick something from the jar that they must do.  It can be something fun or it can be a chore. The fact that it might be a chore encourages them to find their own solutions to boredom.

And no, I haven’t tossed the TV out the window yet, but we are trying to be more mindful viewers.

    By Karen Eble, Certified Parenting Educator