Fast-forward puts you in control of TV timing
Here's how Katie ends TV tantrums before they begin:
This one is simple enough that it's hard for me to legitimately call it a hack, but once I figured out that my kids (7 and 2) would accept it, we use it all the time.
Let's say you *must* leave the house at an appointed time to get to school/daycare/work/wherever on time. The kids want to watch Shrek/Wiggles/Super Robot Monkey Team while you finish getting ready. Instead of letting them turn on the TV and start at the beginning, *you* start it and fast forward (here's where a TiVo helps, but a VCR works too) so that the time remaining on the program is equal to the time you have before you have to get into the car. When the credits roll, the kids (mine, anyway) instinctively seem to know it's time to turn off the TV and go, and will not balk because you're making them leave in the middle of the show. Amazingly, they've never once complained that we didn't start at the beginning...they're just happy to see some portion of their program of choice.
Tags: Parenting, Television, TV
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We often use "timers" around our house..pre-warning the kids: "10 minutes till bed...I'm setting the timer", at which point we often use the microwave on timer mode.
Somehow, using a inanimate object causes the kids not to throw fits...since they know a fit won't work with a piece of electronics.
Anyway, on our TV, we set the sleep timer for things like you mention. It works for my little ones ;-)
Posted by: Eric | 11 October 2006 at 08:20 AM
The fast forward works every time to put us in control.
Posted by: Sandy | 11 October 2006 at 11:19 AM
Was there parenting before Tivo? I love using the FF when my son wants to watch Dora just before bedtime (Yea, I know, I'm trying to get him into Diego. What ever works, he's learning.). Works like a charm.
I also love how I don't have to rush my son to bed b/c the latest Lost episode is on. Or more often then not (before the tivo) just miss the episode. Helps keep my priorities on my son and just season pass my shows. Generally I don't even bother watching when my shows are actually on. I just take one or two nights a week and catch up.
Ah the joys of time shifting. Thanks goes to my wifey for the Christmas present!
Posted by: mantislee | 11 October 2006 at 01:38 PM
I actually turned programs off randomly when the kids started watching tv to avoid this very problem. Seems to have worked. Fuss is minimal.
Posted by: Mile | 11 October 2006 at 05:03 PM