Description of technique for limiting kids' TV-time:
I soon discoverd that I was becomming dependant on the TV to occupy my children, as I vowed "never" to do. Yes, it was all educational, but my son's brain was absolutely turning to Jello. He was unable to engage with family or friends in an appropriate way (i.e. rude, sassy, irritable) after any TV viewing. He preferred the ideal world of TV stimulation to actual real life stimuli.

It was after a particular event in which I desparetly searched for an effective way to help my son help himself. I decided the TV time had to be earned. With a little negotiation, I had him signed, sealed and delivered in my new "Program". Unlike an allowance, which he would definately use all at once, this is an "earn before you burn" challange with a two-fold purpose.

You see, every time he used his manners (i.e. yes ma'am, please, thank you, may I, etc.), he recieved a point. On the first morning, he racked up a whopping 2 points and was ready to cash them in. So we did a big high five and made a large fuss over now getting to watch TV. He got comfy and smiley, we turned on the tube and I left the room all smiles. I went into the kitchen, set the timer, ironed a shirt and "BING", it was over. You should have seen his face. "Mom, I didn't see anything!" "I'm so sorry, you seem disappointed, we will have to help you earn some more", I said with great compassion. People, let me tell you, it has been one month and I have struck oil. Not only is he racking as many as 15 to 20 points in the morning and then again in the afternoon, he's happy to do it! The praises he is getting are endless because we are ever noticing his behavioral changes due to the point tracking.

Naturally, the stakes get higher and the ante goes up as the skill level improves. For example, we have used this method for purchases he wants. (This has to be charted for them to see success and gain to the reward.) We use it for rest time, 2 points to stay in bed, 10 points to take a nap. Let me assure you, he is motivated.

Some days when he wakes up in a sassy mood, I will say, "Are we earning points for good behavoir or timeouts (for example) for bad attitude?" He thinks about it and chooses for himself how he is going to be that day, he really likes earning the points.

The bottom line is, he is earning a reasonable amount of TV time and getting lots of positive reinforcement. Mom and Dad are accountable to praise and getting a super courteous and thoughtful child.

Keynote: For adults, beliefs preceed action. When we believe something to be true or whatnot, we act upon it accordingly. On the contrary for children in training. They act first and we, as parents, direct them into a belief as to good/bad, acceptable/unacceptable. For example, a child throws his plate off the highchair without any moral beliefs about the action. We teach the child that this is not acceptable, thus the child learns after the action is ingrained. His behavior has carried over when he is with other people, and he is not getting points from them! Find out for yourself how well it can work for your family.

Appropriate age group(s):
4 until they support themselves

Other suggestions or comments:
Keep in mind, you can change what they earn and how much they earn based on age and what will motivate them. Use it for whatever lessons you are trying to teach.