Gone are the days when playtime was an outdoor activity. With technological advancements making it easier for children to access and operate devices, screen time has become quite popular. There is no denying that access to computers, tablets or phones has contributed positively to children’s lives. However, it is the increasing overuse of these gadgets that is affecting their physical and mental health negatively. So how do you reduce your child’s screen time without creating conflict?
Start at an early age.
Start the concept of reducing screen time in your child’s routine as early as possible. This is especially important since parents tend to turn to popular TV shows to get their children to feed or fall asleep from a very young age. Who can blame them? Parenting is not easy and you take any bit of help you can get.
However, if you use these shows as crutches, you run the risk of turning your child into a screen addict. They become unable to perform daily functions such as eating, taking a bath or just relaxing without screen time. To help you out, try including walks, feeding them outside and using toys during baths from an early age.
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Offer Fun Alternatives
The concept of limiting screen time does not have to be a death sentence. Sometimes children turn to their screens and become glued there because they are bored. Think of yourself mindlessly scrolling through Netflix just for the sake of it. Introduce your children to other forms of leisure activities. They do not need to be outside. You can incorporate arts and crafts, sensory or even musical play. As long as the children are having fun, you no longer need to yank their devices from their hands by force.
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Explain Why You Are Doing It
As parents or guardians, you can be tempted to turn to the strict approach of rule setting. It is easy to forget that your children are people who can learn and understand things as opposed to just responding to rules. Depending on your child’s age, you can have a conversation on the importance of taking time away from gadgets.
Help them understand that they are not reducing their screen time because they have to but because it is good for them too. If they view it as a healthy habit as opposed to a rule you are enforcing, they are more likely to step away from the screens without a fight.
Lead by example
Monkey see; monkey do. As childish as that statement sounds, it paints a realistic picture of the relationship between you and your child. While preaching the importance of taking time away from gadgets is healthy, it would be a great help if you put the gadgets away too. You are a big influence in your child’s life and they mimic your actions because they believe you are the standard of what is right.
Schedule in times when everyone in the family is away from their gadgets This can include; mealtimes or family times. The key to reducing your child’s screen time without conflict is to help them also see value in it.
Be Consistent
If you have already exposed your child to too much screen time, getting them off will not be an easy fit. Children will be children. They will test your limits and demand more screen time especially if they are yet to understand why they are doing it. You need to hold your ground and stick to the allotted screen time except in specific situations. While they may be reluctant to do it at first, they will eventually stop fighting especially if they enjoy an alternative activity too.
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