According to a newly published study from the University of Bristol in England, parents’ TV viewing habits influence the amount of time kids watch TV. The correlation to health is simple: the more TV kids watch, the less likely they are to be active.

So if you’re a parental “couch potato,” it’s time to think about how your habits are influencing your kid’s health.

Where to start? 

We certainly don’t recommend turning off the TVcold turkey! Just like any diet, depriving yourself never works in the long run. So start by taking baby steps, that will, over time, develop into a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Here are a few tips to get started:

Turn off the TV during meals
It may seem awkward at first, but after a few TV-free meals, it will start feeling
more natural. Agree as a family on different topics to discuss over your meals
until conversation starts to flow naturally.

Be selective
Choose your favorite TV shows and watch them together as a family, but turn the
TV off when they’re over.

Incorporate activity into your TV viewing time
There are no excuses for getting your body moving. Dance during the commercials. Do jumping jacks each time your hero gets the bad guy. Whatever you choose, you’ll be building new and better habits.

Replace TV viewing with a family activity
Whether it’s walking the dog, a few minutes of outdoor play or exercise or playing a game, you’ll be weaning your family off its dependence on TV.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is about breaking old habits and incorporating new ones.
You’ll be surprised how little changes can easily be incorporated into your life and make a big change in your overall activity levels. Plus, it’s a whole lot more fun than sitting on the couch!

For more information on the study, go to
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2010/7027.html