home based business

Ideas come from everywhere, and JP Williams was inspired to create TV Time while at home with his daughter. Mr. Williams, a Manhattan-based graphic artist, father and now budding entrepreneur of his own small business, was so convinced of the negative impact of television on kids that he created a product to help parents do something about it. He had read and heard that television can be a struggle between parents and kids, so he thought he would try to avoid any arguments regarding television by letting his three-year-old daughter take charge.

Mr. Williams worked at home with his daughter to see how she interacted with her favorite shows. By doing this, he was able to develop TV Time’s “box” and “tickets” concept to parallel his daughter’s viewing habits. Each TV Time kit contains viewing “tickets” in 15-minute intervals, as well as two tickets for DVDs, and a 15-minute timer. For each 15 minutes of television watched, a child must deposit one of his or her tickets into the TV Time box. The timer allows children to see when their time is completed. TV Time is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 5, and its primary audience is comprised of parents who are worried about their children’s viewing habits as well as how they communicate with them.

Telling people about TV Time is gratifying for Mr. Williams. The concept is simple, and the results are staggering. TV Time, (www.mytvtime.com), helps parents teach time management and self-discipline while providing kids with a sense of empowerment. TV Time makes parents feel at ease while allowing their children to feel in control, but what is more rewarding to Mr. Williams is how important it has become in his daughter’s eyes. That is a surprise. She has such pride. At home, his daughter helps pack the boxes and is always excited when she is called on to contribute. The initial ad for TV Time had her picture in it, and she loves being the “spokesperson.” Says Mr. Williams, “My daughter is always thinking about where we should go next. Hopefully we can develop other similar products that touch other kids in the same way.” HBM