How to stop my son watching too much TV?

THE PROBLEM: Toddler Nathan, aged 3, is addicted to watching TV.

His mum Emma says: From the minute Nathan wakes up in the morning until he goes to bed at night, he has the television on and is in charge of the remote control. If anyone tries to turn off the TV or change channel, he has a tantrum and screams the house down. I don't want Nathan to grow into a couch potato, I want him to be active and enjoy playing without the distraction of having the TV on in the background.

GITTE says: Emma has fallen into the common habit of using the TV as an electronic babysitter. Allowing her toddler to switch on the TV as soon as he runs downstairs in the morning is giving Nathan all the power.

It is important Emma is aware that Nathan will have tantrums about losing control of the TV, but she should try to remain patient and calm. Tantrums are Nathan's way of expressing himself and how angry he feels. Rather than getting into an argument about why he can't watch TV, Emma needs to try and distract him with other activities.

If she's worried about being unable to get on with jobs like getting dressed and getting Nathan to nursery on time without having the TV on, Emma should do as much as she can the night before - such as getting his packed lunch ready.

Allow him to play in his room while Mummy gets ready, then take him downstairs dressed for breakfast. Once he's eaten and has had his teeth cleaned, let him watch one TV programme before walking out of the door.

Use time warnings - let Nathan know that he can watch just one programme then the TV will be switched off. Nobody wants to be suddenly prevented from doing something they are enjoying so a time warning will help prepare him for switch-off. At the same time, explain what will be happening next, whether it's a game, activity or trip outside.

Stick to your guns, and your toddler will learn that he is no longer in control of the TV. That way, Nathan will eventually learn to concentrate his full attention on the programmes he is allowed to watch.

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