There has been a lot of discussion over the last few years about kids and the amount of time they spend in front of a screen. This "screen time" can be t.v., computers, or video games. Most of this discussion has been centered on the recommended amount of hours that children should be allowed to spend on screen time, and the negative effects that come from too much of it. The recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is no screen time for children under the age of 2, and that kids older than 2 watch no more than 1 to 2 hours a day of quality programming. Studies show that most children nearly double this amount of screen time on any given day. When we take a moment to think about this number, it does seem staggering and we can probably all agree that there are much better ways to spend time that would provide knowledge, fun, exercise, and enriching experiences. I'm a mother of 4, and my husband and I have set limits in our household, but I am the first to admit that when it's dinnertime and I need to cook, the puppy is running around, and the older kids are working on homework, sometimes it is just easier to put in a DVD for my 3 year old. So, I think what we all need are some better ideas of how to make this work in our busy, technology-based lives!
The first and most important is to take screens out of kid's rooms. When a child has a t.v. or computer in their room, it instantly sets up a scenario where it is hard to monitor the time spent on it, and it leads children to believe that screen time is a right, not a privilege. Keeping the screens in the most family-oriented room in your house allows you to determine the screen set-up. You can place screens in places where you can easily monitor what children are viewing, and in addition you can provide lots of fun, entertaining alternatives in your family space that make the t.v. or computer one of many great choices for entertainment. Be up front with children, and let them know exactly how much time they are allowed, and of course, they should understand that this time can only be used after chores and homework are completed. When children know they have limits on time, they will learn to prioritize their favorite shows or games, and spend much less time staring at the screen for no purpose.
Choosing t.v. shows together is another great way to have control over screen time. As a family, you can pick what to watch while keeping in mind that what you choose can be great for education, or to create important discussions with children. We have several teens in our house, so a show that we watch together is "The Secret Life of the American Teenager". It gives us a chance to talk to the kids about some of the choices the characters are making and discuss what they would do in those scenarios. With all the ratings and program descriptions that we have now, it is really easy to pick age appropriate programming.....as long as we all use those free tools that are provided.
One very easy way to limit screen time is to get kids involved in various activities. Most people who have busy kids know that when you play sports, attend after-school programs, or are involved in the arts, there is usually not much time left for t.v. or computers. Now, of course, we all want to make sure that our children are not over-scheduled. They need their relaxation time as much as anyone. But, getting out of the house to participate in some type of organized program helps develop social skills, learn responsibility, provides exercise, and creates mental stimulation. All the things we want our children to learn!
Being overworked, and too busy as parents sets us up for a scenario where overuse of screen time is just a natural part of the day. But, talking about options, getting suggestions from other parents, knowing we are all trying to work toward the same goal, will give us some positive encouragement to help our kids avoid the pitfalls of too much screen time. And most importantly, we must remember, there are times when it is just a t.v. day. No judgment, no guilt, tomorrow is a new day to do something a little different!
The first and most important is to take screens out of kid's rooms. When a child has a t.v. or computer in their room, it instantly sets up a scenario where it is hard to monitor the time spent on it, and it leads children to believe that screen time is a right, not a privilege. Keeping the screens in the most family-oriented room in your house allows you to determine the screen set-up. You can place screens in places where you can easily monitor what children are viewing, and in addition you can provide lots of fun, entertaining alternatives in your family space that make the t.v. or computer one of many great choices for entertainment. Be up front with children, and let them know exactly how much time they are allowed, and of course, they should understand that this time can only be used after chores and homework are completed. When children know they have limits on time, they will learn to prioritize their favorite shows or games, and spend much less time staring at the screen for no purpose.
Choosing t.v. shows together is another great way to have control over screen time. As a family, you can pick what to watch while keeping in mind that what you choose can be great for education, or to create important discussions with children. We have several teens in our house, so a show that we watch together is "The Secret Life of the American Teenager". It gives us a chance to talk to the kids about some of the choices the characters are making and discuss what they would do in those scenarios. With all the ratings and program descriptions that we have now, it is really easy to pick age appropriate programming.....as long as we all use those free tools that are provided.
One very easy way to limit screen time is to get kids involved in various activities. Most people who have busy kids know that when you play sports, attend after-school programs, or are involved in the arts, there is usually not much time left for t.v. or computers. Now, of course, we all want to make sure that our children are not over-scheduled. They need their relaxation time as much as anyone. But, getting out of the house to participate in some type of organized program helps develop social skills, learn responsibility, provides exercise, and creates mental stimulation. All the things we want our children to learn!
Being overworked, and too busy as parents sets us up for a scenario where overuse of screen time is just a natural part of the day. But, talking about options, getting suggestions from other parents, knowing we are all trying to work toward the same goal, will give us some positive encouragement to help our kids avoid the pitfalls of too much screen time. And most importantly, we must remember, there are times when it is just a t.v. day. No judgment, no guilt, tomorrow is a new day to do something a little different!
Jennifer Caliman
Sporty Sprouts
