3 Tips For Managing Kids' Screen Time
Technology is a wonderful thing…….in some ways.
If you are a parent in a home where technology is turning your kids into cranky monsters, making your days all-out wars, and you’re starting to wish that we never made technological advancements, this post is for YOU!
You want your kid to use technology less, but the fighting over it causes so much stress in your household that you just don’t need. You probably find yourself giving in just to catch a break.
There is definitely such a thing as too much screen time, and your kids are likely becoming consumed by their tablet, phone, etc. You may even be considering “accidentally” running it over with your car.
But, you can’t do that. So, what can you do?
A good place to start is to throw away the idea of all-or-nothing. There is never going to be a “nothing” when it comes to your kids using technology, because it’s everywhere.
If you are clinging to the notion that you can eliminate technology from your kid’s life, but then there comes a time when it’s unavoidable, that gives them the idea that you were not serious about your boundaries, when really they were just unattainable.
As a parent, you will want to find some compromise, some middle ground, some balance.
It’s good to think of it on a spectrum with too little and too much on either end.
Here are some ways that you can find a nice sweet-spot in the middle, and where exactly works for your family to fall along the spectrum of too little or too much screen time.
Manage your own screen time. YEP. Let’s get the toughie out of the way. Kids learn from what is modeled for them. If you are totally addicted to your phone, your kid is going to have a hard time listening to you about using their tablet less. They may even point it out. If you want to see a reduction in their reliance on technology in order to keep themselves occupied, you may want to do the same for yourself. Read books, do puzzles, get some family activities going, etc.
Designate “No Tech Times” throughout the day where you turn everything off. A lot of families choose to have this during meal times, at the end of the night (closer to bedtime) or at certain events/ vacations. Whatever works for your family, do. The most important thing about this is to hold the boundary firm without making exceptions unless it’s totally necessary, and to make sure you’re following your own rules. The other important thing is to use this time to do something useful, like playing together, talking/ engaging about each others’ days, doing arts and crafts, or baking.
Get outdoors! Make it a point to actually plan time to get outside. Maybe in the beginning of each week, set aside time that week to do outdoor activities and actually put it on the calendar. Maybe a picnic, a backyard camping night, an afternoon at the playground with friends, frisbee at the park with the dog, whatever! The important thing is that you show the value of being outside and getting fresh air when you are able, because this is good for everybody’s mental health.
If your family has been struggling with the overuse of technology, and you find yourself in an ongoing battle with your kids over their screen time, you may need some extra help with parenting tips or communication within the family. Schedule with a therapist today!
