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How Much Inactive Time Is Too Much?

It is okay for your preschooler to have quiet time.

Here are some tips for making sure your preschooler is not inactive too often:

	•	Limit TV and screen time to less than 2 hours daily, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
	•	Try to make inactive time reading time rather than TV time.
	•	Quiet time is best before naps or bed.

As a parent, you have an impact on your preschooler’s behaviors and activities. Be a role model and try to limit your own time spent sitting, such as watching TV. Your preschooler will learn that being physically active is part of a healthy life.

Helpful guidelines:

	•	After 60 minutes of inactivity (such as watching TV) have your child get up and do something active for a while.
	•	Avoid having the TV on during mealtimes.
	•	Only put TVs in family rooms. Don’t put a TV in your child’s bedroom. This helps your preschooler spend less time watching TV.

Learn more about how too much TV time may lead to childhood obesity.

‹‹ Back to Physical Activity Main Page

Last Modified: March 12, 2009 05:05 PM