Description of technique for limiting kids' TV-time:
Just as we give our son a monetary allowance, we also give a time allowance to be spent on the TV (this includes time spent on video games on the TV). We prepared for this by having a family meeting where we discussed the concerns we had about the amount of time being spent passively in front of the "tube". We then negotiated with him for a weekly number of hours satisfactory to all (in our case it is 9 hours a week). He can use the allowance at any time after other commitments are completed. We also made a list of other activities to engage in when the allowance was used for that week. He got coupons in half hour amounts to start with, which he turned in when he watched but now no longer needs them. Of course it did not go completely smoothly but we were able to work out the problems (eg. when the family elects to watch a video together it does not count against the allowance). We also do not apply the idea during school vacation time. We are flexible about special programs just as we would be if he needed some credit towards his monetary allowance. I found that he was much more discriminating in his choices and more willing to limit the time for himself. The best part is that we don't need to invoke the allowance very often now because he is disciplining himself (just as a monetary allowance teaches self-discipline about money very quickly). Hope this works for you too!

Appropriate age group(s):
Pre-school to approx. 14

Other suggestions or comments:
We used a calendar and small stickers which he put on the date when he used a half-hour amount to keep track at the beginning.