There is a lot of wonderful programming for this age group that encourages active participation from children. Watching these shows with children will help them associate this type of programming with a pleasurable experience. If children realize from an early age that you make the decisions about what they may 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 videotape library of quality shows.
Preschoolers love to watch the same shows over and over again.
Out of sight, out of mind. Put the television set in a room away 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.