My son likes to read especially at bedtime, but after school he would prefer to watch TV. I sometimes think he watches too much TV. I would like to do more reading but not to let him feel like I am punishing him. Do you have any suggestions?

Watching TV is an individual choice and each family differs on what they think is too much and what is just right. I do believe in setting parameters about how much TV your child should watch. You need to decide on what those parameters should be for your family and then stick to them—adults too. Watching videos counts as watching TV at my house and we limit how much TV per week. You might want to consider similar parameters for video and computer games.

You mentioned that when he comes home from school, you want him to read and he wants to watch TV, but that later he wants to read at bedtime. Great! I know with my own children and my school-class children, they need some “downtime” right after school. School is like their job. They work at it for 6-7 hours every day and they are usually tired and hungry and need a break when they get home from school. Getting home and sitting down to another 1-2 hours of homework and reading for mom is sometimes more than their little brains can handle. I always allow my children 1-2 hours downtime when they get home from school in which they are allowed to choose (within reason) what they want to do to relax and unwind. Playing with friends, using some of their allotted TV time, listening to music in their room, anything outside in the yard, etc., whatever they find relaxing. We then tackle homework after they have had some time to relax. They then tackle their homework fresh and willing (OK maybe not exactly willing) instead of grumpy, hungry, and tired. It’s just a thought, but it sure cuts down on the after school blues and fighting with mom about school work. Hope that helps.