A: As we know, television is almost hypnotic in its ability to capture the attention of young viewers.

Earlier this year, one of my own children participated in a program at school to not watch television for a whole week. I could see the fear in her eyes, but I was thrilled. Fortunately, the challenge came during a week when I could spend a little less time working than usual, so I was eager to do my part.

As part of the challenge, my daughter had to come up with a list of 20 things to do instead of watch TV, play video games, or anything else that involved sitting in front of a tube doing nothing.

Here are just a few of the suggestions that she and the other kids in her class came up with as alternatives to television:

• Build a model. When was the last time you built a model? Have you ever done it? It’s a great parent-child activity that can be stretched out over several evenings.

• Work on puzzles. This is something kids of all ages can enjoy. I heard from one dad that he and his son went out and bought a 2,000 piece Star Wars puzzle and spent the entire weekend putting it together. When they were done, they took it apart and donated it to a local children’s hospital.

• Fly kites.

• Play board games.

• Play cards.

• Get caught up on all that piano practice.

• Play chess. Everyone should learn how to play at some point in their life.

• Go canoeing.

• Go on a hike.

• Ride bikes.

• Walk up to the neighborhood store for an ice cream.

• Make a movie of your own. Two boys in the neighborhood did this. One wrote the script, the other created a sound stage in the garage. Okay, so that technically violated the “no TV” rule, but it seemed like a worthwhile exception.

• Read books.

• Draw a picture or color.

• Visit the library.

Of course very few of the kids did everything on their list, but the amazing thing was that, except for the first day, there were absolutely no complaints about missing all that television. We’re thinking of trying if for two weeks next time.

Armin Brott’s most recent books are “The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year, Second Edition” and “Father for Life: A Journey of Joy, Challenge, and Change.” You can reach him through his Web site at www.mrdad.com.