Community Corner

Hey Mom and Dad, How Much TV Do You Allow Your Children To Watch?

Parents, Patch wants to hear from you on the questions that get families talking.

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

In the new year, many parents have resolved to promote a more active lifestyle for their children, spending less time in the house and more time outside playing with friends. But how do you get your kids unglued from the TV screen? That brings us to this week's question.

Do you put any limits on your child's time in front of the TV screen? How much TV is too much for a kid?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

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Lisa C. I love TV! I have never restricted, but have never had a problem. My kids get good grades and are busy with many other things. I have always been fine with a snack and some TV after school. Now that being said...when they were younger there were many shows that I would not watch with them in the room. via Oswego Patch Facebook

Karent T. 1 show a day. And that's because we play and do things. I can't stand tv's being used as babysitters. Now if they are sick, that's different. I may go out & rent a few movies for them. via Bolingbrook Patch Facebook

Find out what's happening in Oswegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Angela S. Just last month I decided to limit tv and computer games to 2 hours. I found now that it is winter they default to tv and computer. I believe they have an imagination and should use it. MOst of the time they choose educational programs. But as soon as I hear words they do not use and attitudes they do not have, I blame it on TV. via Plainfield Patch Facebook

Michele V. We cancelled Dish back in April because almost everything on TV is garbage. We have Netflix now but we monitor what my kids (ages 14, 11, 8 & 5) watch and their TV time is very limited. Not even an hour during the week, maybe 2-3 hours on Saturday and 1-2 on Sundays. The kids don't even miss TV because we're busy playing board games, reading, hanging out or finding stuff to do together. via Joliet Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Tell us in the comments. 


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