Description of technique for limiting kids' TV-time:
We're on the downhill slide now (two teens, one leaving for college) and neither one watches much TV. In hindsight, we realize one of the smartest decisions we ever made was to have only one TV that stayed in the family room. It works on so many levels -
1. We are for the most part aware of what the kids are watching. Even if we aren't home, kids forget that when I turn the TV on, I see what channel was last being watched.
2. If they really wanted to watch a certain show, I got to watch with them which led to good discussions - "Why do you like this show?" Or sometimes - "I don't think this show is appropriate and we're not watching it anymore. Here's why I think that ..."
2. Alone-time in the bedroom - which is so necessary for kids of all ages - was spent sleeping, reading, doing school work or just good old daydreaming.
3. Quality time and TV time are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to enjoy time with the family while watching favorite shows, especially my old favorites like Andy Griffith. We were also able to develop new favorites together, like Home Improvement.
4. Everybody, including Mom & Dad, learn to compromise and share. Am I wild about Nascar on Sunday afternoon? Well, no, but it shows Mom is flexible! The guys in the house know that my oldest and I have a standing date to watch Real World together.

Appropriate age group(s):
All ages

Other suggestions or comments:
I know many kids have TV in the bedroom to play Nintendo or other games like that. We solved that by never buying Nintendo. The few video games our kids did play were on the computer ... which is in the family room. (Do you sense a theme here?)

For a few of years (ages 8-11 or so), our youngest lobbied hard for a TV in his bedroom. At first, we explained at length why we weren't going to do that, but after while we'd just listen and then tell him with good humor that we'd miss him too much in the family room. While this answer was not what he wanted to hear, I think he was pleased with the sentiment behind it - especially since it was true!