In the Family TV Diet, create balanced TV meals witb your children. It may be all right to have a TV snack or dessert-a program watched for entertainment or relaxation alone, but such shows should come after the main course and not dominate the diet. Talk with your child and compare the messages and characters of a variety of different programs. Select shows that communicate values worth watching. Look for programs that support school assignments, in language, arts, science, or history.
Exercise is the key to a successful diet.
Your Family TV Diet will be most successful when it is accompanied by family activities. Use TV programs as springboards for further activities and discussions. Follow viewing with conversations with your child about a programs content, whether the topic is TV violence or sexual activity. Make a trip to the public library to find books to continue the conversation. Many quality shows have their own Internet web sites, which can be accessed from schools and libraries.