Reducing your child’s screen time is not challenging when you opt for the right methods. Here are some tips that may help you control your child’s screen habits and reduce device use.
Build Healthy Screen Habits
Generally, people don’t think about it, but parents can become role models for children in everything, including limiting screen use. So, before starting your favorite Netflix series, do think that you are setting an example for your children when you spend your leisure time on screen.
Scrolling your phone all the time or keeping your TV on throughout the day will encourage your children to do the same. Hence, make sure to first limit your screen time before you ask your kids to keep their tablets away.
Make Some Rules
It’s vital to involve all members of the family while you are making rules about screen time. Make sure that the rules are flexible and designed based on the school timings, holidays, and weekends. The rules should also include activities that your child needs to practice along with the screen time. This may include going outdoor after spending half an hour using the device.
In addition to that, it’s important to reassess the rules after few months to make amendments according to children’s schedules.
See Video of Dr. Todd Cohan, Optometrist and Myopia Management specialist from Buffalo Grove, Illinois on his advice on behavior change and myopia progression:
Set a Routine
Setting a routine is very important for children’s well-being and the development of healthy habits. It helps your kid understand when and how to do it and what to do. This means routine can help you allocate a particular time for TV, video games, or using laptops/tabs. For instance, if you want to reduce the screen time of your child, you can ask them to watch TV or use their tablet from 5 pm to 6 pm. Or you can simply ask them to use devices before dinner.
Routines also help parents to minimize conflict about technology use. For instance, if you want to prevent your kid from using a screen in the car, you can involve them in playing “I spy” or listen to your family’s favorite music in the car.
Explain Why You’re Limiting Screen Time
Explaining to your kids the reason to limit the screen time is the best idea. When you tell them it has adverse impacts, they most likely follow your rules without any problem. If your children feel you are forcing them to do something, they are likely to break the rules.
Provide them with some logical reason for your device rules. Explain to them how TV shows, violent video games, and simply spending too much time in front of a screen are harmful to their health, especially eyesight.
Dr. Todd Cohan of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, an Optometrist and Myopia Management specialist talks about how devices damage kids’ eyes.
See his video here:
Encourage Children to Engage in Outdoor Activities
Keeping the tablet or phone away is never easy when you have so many attractions, such as cartoons, games, etc. You need to provide your kids some activities that help them to forget to use their devices.
Playing outdoor is the best option of them all. Walking, playing, or doing any activity under the sky can boost endorphin levels. As a result, your children will feel happier and relaxed. So, play with your kids and take them out regularly to help them entertain themselves.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, by making a routine and some rules, you can greatly reduce the screen time of your child. Make sure to provide them an alternative to screen time so that they can engage in something more fun that also improves their health.
Sources
https://www.verywellfamily.com/tips-for-limiting-electronics-and-screen-time-for-kids-1094870
Reducing your child’s screen time is not challenging when you opt for the right methods. Here are some tips that may help you control your child’s screen habits and reduce device use.
Build Healthy Screen Habits
Generally, people don’t think about it, but parents can become role models for children in everything, including limiting screen use. So, before starting your favorite Netflix series, do think that you are setting an example for your children when you spend your leisure time on screen.
Scrolling your phone all the time or keeping your TV on throughout the day will encourage your children to do the same. Hence, make sure to first limit your screen time before you ask your kids to keep their tablets away.
Make Some Rules
It’s vital to involve all members of the family while you are making rules about screen time. Make sure that the rules are flexible and designed based on the school timings, holidays, and weekends. The rules should also include activities that your child needs to practice along with the screen time. This may include going outdoor after spending half an hour using the device.
In addition to that, it’s important to reassess the rules after few months to make amendments according to children’s schedules.
See Video of Dr. Todd Cohan, Optometrist and Myopia Management specialist from Buffalo Grove, Illinois on his advice on behavior change and myopia progression:
Set a Routine
Setting a routine is very important for children’s well-being and the development of healthy habits. It helps your kid understand when and how to do it and what to do. This means routine can help you allocate a particular time for TV, video games, or using laptops/tabs. For instance, if you want to reduce the screen time of your child, you can ask them to watch TV or use their tablet from 5 pm to 6 pm. Or you can simply ask them to use devices before dinner.
Routines also help parents to minimize conflict about technology use. For instance, if you want to prevent your kid from using a screen in the car, you can involve them in playing “I spy” or listen to your family’s favorite music in the car.
Explain Why You’re Limiting Screen Time
Explaining to your kids the reason to limit the screen time is the best idea. When you tell them it has adverse impacts, they most likely follow your rules without any problem. If your children feel you are forcing them to do something, they are likely to break the rules.
Provide them with some logical reason for your device rules. Explain to them how TV shows, violent video games, and simply spending too much time in front of a screen are harmful to their health, especially eyesight.
Dr. Todd Cohan of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, an Optometrist and Myopia Management specialist talks about how devices damage kids’ eyes.
See his video here:
Encourage Children to Engage in Outdoor Activities
Keeping the tablet or phone away is never easy when you have so many attractions, such as cartoons, games, etc. You need to provide your kids some activities that help them to forget to use their devices.
Playing outdoor is the best option of them all. Walking, playing, or doing any activity under the sky can boost endorphin levels. As a result, your children will feel happier and relaxed. So, play with your kids and take them out regularly to help them entertain themselves.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, by making a routine and some rules, you can greatly reduce the screen time of your child. Make sure to provide them an alternative to screen time so that they can engage in something more fun that also improves their health.
Sources
https://www.verywellfamily.com/tips-for-limiting-electronics-and-screen-time-for-kids-1094870
