April 19th kicks of National Turn Off TV Week, and Learning Express, an educational toy store franchise, is encouraging families to take up the cause.

The key to limiting children's screen time, says Learning Express Founder and CEO Sharon DiMinico, is not only shutting off the TV but also replacing screen time with plenty of stimulating activities.

DiMinico recommends parents follow the steps below for decreasing the amount of time their children are in front of the TV.

Remove TVs from the bedrooms: All television viewing should be done in common areas where parents can properly monitor what children are actually watching. Stock bedrooms with alternative entertainment-books, puzzles, and construction-based toys that children can interact with when they play.

Set a schedule: As a family, decide how much television is acceptable and during which hours it should be viewed. Include designated times for other family activities in your schedule, such as game night, reading aloud, and outdoor sports.

Focus on creating: Avoid placing children in front of the TV when you need a few moments to yourself. Instead, set them up with a do-it-yourself project that requires ongoing work. This way, when they come home from school or feel bored, they will be eager to pick up where they left off.

"Research has shown that children who spend too much time in front of the TV are more prone to develop obesity, irregular sleep patterns, behavioral problems and learning issues in school," said DiMinico. "This awareness campaign is an ideal time for parents to monitor their children's viewing patterns and put healthy habits in their place."

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, a child's use of TV, movies, or video and computer games should be no more than two hours a day. DiMinico notes that many parents are unaware of exactly how much time their children spend in front of screens.

Designed by the Center for Screen-Time Awareness, National TV Turn Off Week is a national campaign that strives to reduce the amount of time both children and adults spend in front of the television. The organization claims that screen time cuts into family time, and that excessive viewing leads to a more sedentary and solitary lifestyle.

"We understand that television and other electronic devices can provide parents with a much-needed break, but there are plenty of other options out there that can occupy a child's time," said DiMinico. "The more children get used to entertaining themselves with constructive, stimulating toys and games, the less likely they will be to choose to sit down in front of a screen."

Learning Express carries a wide range of products suited for a variety of age groups, and provides educational toys that promote learning and the importance of play.

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