Screen Free Week: How to get stuff done without TV

When do you need a little extra help?
I know every family is different but I have noticed there are certain tasks that I need to get done and my little one's are always underfoot!  Think about those times of the day that you tend to turn on the T.V. or when your children ask for some screen time.  Once you know when these times tend to occur, it will be easier to plan how to keep everyone happy!  Times of the day that I appreciate a little help:

• Cooking dinner
• Cleaning the house
• Taking a shower

Tips to help you though those busy times

• Let your child help with dinner.  If they are really small you can wear your baby on your back with the proper carrier.  I wouldn't recommend cooking on the stove while wearing your little one.  Toddlers would enjoy "washing the dishes" while you cook.  Kindergartners can chop soft foods with a butter knife, pull lettuce leaves apart, wash veggies, measure ingredients and set the table.  As you child gets older, they can do more to help prepare dinner.  The key to making this work is to be prepared.  Plan your meals ahead of time and think about what parts your children will be able to help with.
• Have a small sensory bin ready to go.  Only put it on the table while you are busy (during dinner prep is my favourite time to set out a sensory bin) and they will get excited about the anticipation of something exciting that they only get to play with during certain times of the day.
• Have one parent go for a walk while the other parent prepares dinner.
• Play some favourite audio books.
• Have the children help out with cleaning.  There are lots of tasks that are perfectly suited for little hands.
• Take a shower after the kids go to bed.  Taking a shower while the little ones are up and going has NEVER happened for me - even if I did turn on the T.V.
• Once they have had a couple of days without the TV, your children will quickly develop the necessary skills to keep themselves busy.  The more you involve them, the more they will enjoy it!
• Finally, be a role model.

Top 10 ways to reduce T.V. watching at home source

1. Make sure your television set doesn’t become the center of attention in your home. Try putting the

    TV behind a screen or closed doors.

2. Keep the TV off during dinner. Meals are a great time for talking.
3. Make some days of the week TV-free days.
4. Avoid using TV as a baby-sitter.
5. Don't use TV as a reward or punishment.
6. Move around to your favorite music instead of watching TV.
7. Cancel your cable subscription. Use the money saved for a fun family outing.
8. Hide the remote control.
9. Plan ahead for TV viewing.
10.Remove the TV set from your child's bedroom.

Are there any other times you need your children to entertain themselves?  How do you encourage children to stay entertained?  Join the conversation on my Facebook fan page.

Don`t forget, Screen Free Week takes place April 30 - May 6, 2012.