Watching these shows with your child will help them associate this type of programming with a pleasurable experience. Don't be afraid to restrict certain shows which you find unsuitable. If children realize from an early age that you are making the decisions about what they can watch, they are much more likely to accept this later on. Make sure your sitter is informed about, and follows, your TV rules. Build up a video tape library of quality shows.
Preschoolers love to watch the same shows over and over again.
Put the television in a room that is separate from where your family spends the most time. Don't leave your TV on when you're not watching it. Turn it on for a specific show and turn it off when it's over. This makes television a special experience your children look forward to. It also sets the stage for good viewing habits in later years.