How much TV or screen time did your kids get today? Controlling children’s screen time is a pretty big challenge for most parents. It’s also a unique challenge for a generation of parents who didn’t grow up with DVR, ipads, home computers, or even (big gasp) cable TV.

Before Americans knew the names <a title=”Carrie Bradshaw” href=”http://en cialis rezeptfrei holland.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_Bradshaw”>Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City, HBO) or Monica Geller (Friends, NBC), my friends and I were obsessed with Brenda Walsh, Kelly Taylor, and Donna Martin. Like many teenagers in the 90’s, I spent every Wednesday night glued to the couch, watching the teen drama, Beverly Hills 90210 (FOX). Occasionally I’d catch an episode of Seinfeld, (NBC).

As far as my screen time (which was limited to TV), that was about it.  Morning TV wasn’t even an option until Saturday (unless I wanted to watch the news). Nothing of interest was even on most evenings!

Bottom Line: We didn’t have rules about watching TV or screen time rules because we didn’t need them.  Things have changed.  Our children can watch shows anytime on TV, phones, ipads and computers.

Although screen time keeps kids busy and highly entertained, too much might be lowering their GPA in school.

Last year nearly 50,000 parents participated in The Learning Habit research study; the  largest study on family routines in the history of the United States. Researchers were able to gather vital information about children’s media use and make connections between media use, educational goals, grit and grades.

Today there are now so many programs that children can access, many households lack a balanced routine.  Viewing rules are definitely required. Below are the new rules excerpted from The Learning Habit for children’s television viewing, based on the study finding from Brown University School of Medicine, Brandeis University, National Children’s Medical Ceneter, and New England Center for Pediatric Psychology.

The New Rules For Screen Time

1.) Keep TV Time Limited ~ 60 minutes maximum in the evening—only after homework, reading, and household chores are completed.

2.) Location of Screen Matters ~ This is one we often forget.  Electronics (TV, Cell Phones) negatively impact sleep.  No screens in bedrooms.

3.) When (Time of day) Media is Used Matters ~ No morning TV or video games on school days. This is one area many of us can improve on during the 2014-2015 school year.

Consider this: You wouldn’t prepare for a 5K by lighting up a cigarette, but many of us will “warm up” our child’s brain for academic schoolwork with media consumption. 

If You Have Time…

LEARN MORE:  About the the connection between media use and grades in The Learning Habit. It is packed with study findings, hundreds of case studies, and teacher/parent interviews.   This book is a “must have” educational tool for all parents and teachers.

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PRAISE for The Learning Habit 

“Three authors—a psychotherapist, a pediatric psychologist, and a neuropsychological educator who are all parents—have compiled a guide that bamboozled moms and dads will welcome. This volume, which is based on a three-year study—the largest study of family routines ever conducted—is chock-full of examples from real families sorting through tough parenting decisions and provides valuable counsel.”

— Publishers Weekly 

“Parents, and others, will find “The Learning Habit” a helpful addition to their shelves!”

— The Washington Post