You've learnt about the harmful effects of having too much screen time for your kids in our previous post. In Part Two, we will learn how to make better use of your kid's screen time so that it may benefit them.
Did you know?
The average 8-10 year old spends 8 hours in front of a screen each day. That's quite frightening when you consider most kids are probably awake for about 12 hours a day. Take this test:
How do you think your child fared?
Too much screen time has been linked to obesity, problems in school, lack of sleep and behaviour problems such as aggression.
How much screen time should a child get?
Pediatricians recommend no more than 2 hours of screen time a day for kids. If the child is under the age of 2, then they recommend absolutely no screen time.
Don't fight over screen time. Make the most of it! Screens can help your kids learn important real-world skills and keep up with the evolving technology. What you need to do is teach them how to manage the privilege.
So how do we do that?
1. SET LIMITS
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No screens right after you wake up. Quiet play for an hour before they get to watch their morning show.
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Social settings and meal times are screen free. Strictly no asking to play on other's phones either.
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Set a SCREEN FREE DAY once a month. Adults included. Get outdoors!
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No screens in the car (unless on long road trips).
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Make the bedrooms free from television or video games.
These are just some examples that you can implement on your children. Get creative with your rules!
2. HOW TO OPTIMIZE SCREEN TIME?
Make the best out of the limited screen time! Have them try a balance of these categories:
Create
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Make a digital art
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Write music
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Make a movie
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Write a story
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Building game like Minecraft
Learn
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Math games
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Current events
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Science discoveries
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Read an e-book
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Coding
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Research
Connect
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Skype with family
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Email relatives
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Connect with friends
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Play cooperative games
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Coordinate school projects
Leisure
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Watch TV
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Play video games
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Mobile games
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Music videos
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Watch YouTube
REMEMBER...
As much as possible, replace screen time with hands-on or outdoor activities.
Set rules to limit screen time.
Optimize screen time with meaningful tasks
It's necessary to let kids get bored once in a while - that's how they learn to be creative. ~ Kim Raver
#parentingtips #screentime #technology