Television offers more than just entertainment. They also provide distraction. This is especially evident during study time and meals, even when trying to talk to family members. Television also causes a sense of disconnection in families. Some people develop a kind of dependency on television.

If you watched the Cable Guy, Jim Carrey's character called the TV his "babysitter". TV taught the character practically everything he knows. This explains the weirdness.

TV is also responsible for a growing phenomena - the couch potato syndrome, where people cringe at the though of leaving their hallowed space in front of the tube.

How do you prevent your kids from developing these bad habits? Here's how:

Do not place TV sets inside your kid's room

If you did, take it out. To lessen their TV time, do not give them easy access to the tube. Make TV time family time. Set up your TV set in the living room or den, so if your kids want to watch TV, they can watch with your family.

Strategy not only cuts down on the amount of time they spend watching TV, but also addresses the disconnection that TV brings. It lets your kids know that TV is no substitute for family time.

Make watching TV a privilege

Kids think that watching TV is their right. Change this thinking by making them "earn the privilege" to watch TV. Tell them they can watch TV after they've finished with their homework or after they're done with their chores.

Or, make TV a reward for good behavior or good grades. Whichever you choose, make them earn the privilege to watch TV. In no time, you will see them less and less in front of the TV.

Set up ground rules

Create guidelines for how much TV your kids allowed to watch everyday, should they be allowed to watch TV without parental supervision. Make sure your whole family knows about these rules.

Make sure also that the rules come with consequences. Make your kids aware of this. Ensure that everyone follows these rules, because otherwise you won't achieve anything.

Think of alternatives to TV

Make your children realize that there are a number of fun things they can do other than watch television. They can play outside, learn crafts, put up talent shows.

Or, get them hooked on books. These alternatives are more productive and can help your kids hone their skills.