Children and screen time is a hot button issue these days. From concerns with how it affects long term development, behavior, school performance, and screen addiction; how much time our kids spend watching t.v. or playing video games can be a huge source of concern and guilt for moms.
I know it can be for me! I try to keep my kids’ watching to a minimum. In some ways it is easier now; my oldest is not quite 5, I can still keep remotes out of reach, and turning it on or off is simply a matter of my word. In other ways it’s hard; with 3 kids 4 and under I’m often tired, our current location doesn’t allow for the kids to play safely outside without supervision, and most days my husband takes our one car to work with him.
We also go through seasons with how much screen time is allowed. When I’m in the first trimester of a pregnancy, or someone is sick, or we just had an unusually lousy night’s sleep, I tend to allow more screen time than normal. We might watch two or more movies in one day.
Last summer, on the other hand, we went almost an entire month without turning it on at all{minus two sick days}. It definitely was challenging for us, but I’m so thankful for that time. My kids had noticeably better attitudes, and I never once felt guilty about how they were spending their summer. Our normal watching time floats somewhere between these two extremes.
We’re currently needing to cut back. After two weeks of a nasty virus sweeping our home, we’ve become much more dependent on Netflix than I am comfortable with. If you’ve ever thought you’d like to cut back on your children’s screen time, but didn’t quite have the energy to start a new battle, or don’t know where to begin, here are some of the ways I’ve sneakily cut back so that they don’t even miss it.
If kids are playing happily, don’t get in the way.
Oftentimes I think “I could tackle this project if I just put a show on for the kids!” Then I stop myself and realize that they are playing perfectly contentedly. If I interrupt them and suggest t.v, they will immediately drop the wholesome, creative play and clamber to the couches. Once its time to turn it off, there will be great wailing and gnashing of teeth. Do I really want to open that Pandora’s Box? If my kids are happily occupied together, I should rejoice and move right along!
Give audio-entertainment a whirl.
We love listening to audio books around here! Most local libraries have countless free audio resources for families. I’ve also found that YouTube has hundreds of read aloud recordings of quality children’s books. To keep it “screen free” time, I just play them on my phone, flip the screen side down, and keep it out of reach.
My kids color, build with lego, or enjoy some other activity while they listen. Some of our favorite readalouds on YouTube include The Tale of Peter Rabbit, A.A. Milne’s Winnie The Pooh, Paddington Bear, A Baby Sister for Frances, and classic Disney movie versions of Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, and The Jungle Book {songs from the movie included!}. You can also find Curious George, Clifford, Berenstain Bears, and almost any popular children’s book- just type the title, followed by “read aloud” in the search bar.
Provide a new and interesting diversion.
If kids are begging for their screens, offer them an alternate activity. The trick here is to make it something so different and so exciting that their surprise and excitement at your suggestion eclipses their interest in the screen. I recommend making a list, even just a mental check list, before you are in this situation.
Some of the activities that really appeal to my children include water play {set up pots and pans and whisks and measuring spoons on the kitchen table, have an extended just for fun bath, or fill up a baby bath tub and take it outside}, playing RC toys like Traxxas TRX 4, play dough {making your own is even more fun!}, sensory bins {cornmeal and toy construction trucks are a hit around here}, baking something with me, painting, or even just sitting in my lap to read stories.
Most of these activities are special occasion, not every day happenings. The spontaneity and freshness helps them to hold their charm. While we do read together every day, it is something they enjoy so much {a story + physical affection from mom} that it satiates their hunger for entertainment. If you rotate toys, pulling a box down that they haven’t seen the contents of in awhile can also liven up their play time. For more screen-free play ideas, check out this list!
Delay gratification.
If all else fails, try stalling. When my kids ask me to turn on Netflix, I’ll often say “not now,” while I’m still open to the possibility. Give it ten minutes, and see if they don’t work through their boredom and start playing happily. Kids are extremely resourceful, and we do them a disservice if we don’t allow them to be bored on occasion. Keeping children constantly entertained means that they will start to depend on us for it. Their imaginations, patience, problem solving skills, and independence need plenty of empty space in which to exercise, grow, and flourish.
I hope these suggestions are helpful for your family! I’d love to know how you limit screen time and encourage creative play in your own home.
Rachel
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