Screen Time & Kids: 5 Tips & Alternatives On How to Cut Back
Hello my friends! I am so ecstatic to have some time to blog again & share some ideas with you. Today’s topic is…wait for it…SCREEN TIME. Now some of you may be feeling guilt just hearing this word and I want you to reassure you that this post is not meant to make you feel that way…just give you some ideas. Even in my household we have tough days and sometimes my son gets over the recommended amount of screen time. Pick your battles…I get it. I am not one to shame anyone so please just know that I am here to give some strategies in reducing screen time. Your child will ultimately benefit from it.
I have parents ask me about screen time quite often. How much screen time should a child be getting? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, school-aged kids should spend no more than an hour or two with a screen every day. AAP urges parents to avoid any screen time for babies and children under 18 months. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest reason is that children need face-to-face opportunities to make connections with others. They also learn through play and watching other children playing on a screen doesn’t count.
Recent studies have shown that reducing screen time can have a positive effect on children’s emotional, physical, and behavioral well-being. It can even improve their academic performance and sleep! We all know that children learn by watching so set a good example for your child by putting your phone away during play time as well.
1) Set a limit from the start
Pick a time limit and make this known from the beginning. Since my son is a toddler I just pick a 15-20 minute show and then turn it off when it is over or tell him “five more minutes”. Giving warnings can reduce tantrums…not always, but sometimes. If you pick a show that is the appropriate length for your child, they will be ready to stop watching television based on their attention span. Setting a limit of 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening is a great example of limited screen time. This also counts for I-pad time.
2) Engage them in fun alternatives
I have so many toys that have kept my little one engaged while in the car, at restaurants, or sitting on the couch for quiet time. Here are some of my favorites:
These bug gel clings are everything! I love letting my little one play with them on the window of the car. They are also perfect for on a plane sitting in the window seat. Bonus: you can work on new vocabulary and bug names! Here is a link to the direct website for any kind of gel cling: www.jesplay.com
Next are drawing boards! These are two of my favorite drawing boards. Introducing drawing boards early on can teach children how to hold a pencil and start making simple shapes (circles) and even some letters. I draw letters all the time on these boards and try to have my child copy.
I love a good color placemat. The ones linked below are disosable, but we have a washable one that is fantastic (thanks to Aunt Bekah!) These are perfect to take to restaurants with washable markers or when coloring at the house.
3) Avoid screens in your child’s room
Having a screen in a child’s room can interfere with your child’s sleep. Researchers have shown a ‘ripple effect’ in that more screen time means less time spent reading, sleeping, or playing. You also have way less control over what your child is watching and gives them 24-hour access to anything. By not putting a screen in your child’s room early on you are saving yourself a huge battle. After all, it is way easier to say no earlier than later on.
4) Monitor what your child is viewing & focus on making it educational
There are so many excellent shows and programs that have educational content and are entertaining for children. My personal favorites are:
Canticos (Nick Jr.) in which children learn Spanish songs
Dinosaur Train (PBS Kids) in which children learn about natural science, history, and palaentology
Handyman Hal (Youtube) in which children explore new things like a fire station, dump truck, and excavator
Blue’s Clues
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Dora The Explorer
Note: With so much screen time being spent on Youtube, you can control what your child is watching on Youtube. However, you cannot control the ADS on Youtube. Be sure to pay attention to the advertisements so that you agree with what Youtube is selecting to show your child.
5) Teach your child that your words have meaning & stay firm in your decision
This one is my favorite. Teaching your children that your words have meaning early on will help set them up for success. They also will understand that you mean business. Once you consistently follow through with what you say you will do, your child will understand that your words have meaning. Try focusing on the words you say and being specific. How many times have you said something and then gone back on your word? Of course, we are human and this happens, but it is crucial to be aware of your words. If you tell your child that they lost screen time for the rest of the day, stay firm in your decision. Think about your words and trying saying, ‘you lost screen time for an hour’ and set a timer.
As always, give yourself grace and try your best. That’s all that we can do as parents. I hope that you enjoyed these tips & check out my website at www.languagelionstherapy.com
~Monica Drawing BoardBug Gel ClingsMagnetic Color BoardDisposable restaurant mat