This year has thrown unprecedented challenges our way. Schools have moved their curriculum to online formatting, social events have become virtual and everyone’s screen time usage has exponentially grown. However, it is important to know that limiting your child’s screen time is crucial to their overall health. So, what are the best ways that you can limit your child’s screen time when it seems like that is all that there is to do?
According to Very Well Family and the American Academy of Pediatrics:
For babies up to 18 months old: Video chatting only (such as with a parent who is traveling, or a relative who lives far away)
Toddlers 18 to 24 months old: High-quality programming that babies and parents view together
Preschoolers, 2 to 5 years old: No more than one hour a day of high-quality programming, viewed together
Kids ages 6 and up: No specific time limit. Instead, parents should “place consistent limits on the time spent using media and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.” The AAP has an interactive media plan that families can use to set their own limits.
Here are some ways to help limit screen times
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Set a Schedule
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We already live day-to-day life with a schedule. School starts at this time and ends at this time. Lunch is at this time. It’s the same with screens, too. Setting a schedule for when phones, tablets, computers and televisions are to be used and enjoyed helps establish routine, which is incredibly beneficial for development, in younger children.
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Connect with Them When Disconnecting
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Power down. Phones down. TVs off. Time to open up. Spend time with your children by talking with them, playing games, baking cookies or any other activity that doesn’t require a screen. Connecting with them in real ways is crucial to your child’s development.
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Get Outside
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Luckily for Texans, there are many days throughout EVERY season that are beautiful and perfect for outdoor play, picnics, walks, or just being out of the house and changing the scenery.
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Set an Example
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Children emulate everything that we do. Limiting their screen time should also come with limiting YOUR screen time. Paying attention to your children instead of your push notifications has proven to increase better behavior. It’s healthy for them and healthy for you, too.
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Screen Time as a Reward
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Setting up a reward system allows for you to set rules, boundaries, consistency and routines that are easy to follow and understand. However, you need to also BE consistent in how you enforce the reward system. Wavering can cause confusion and create more challenges.
