Let’s talk kids screen time. When is too much? How to limit screen time and make someone else the “bad guy.” How to earn screen time, and what to do when the screens go off. Last, when to just relax and know that a bit (or a bunch) of time in front of a screen still makes you a good parent.
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Kids screen time seems to be a topic of our generation. With computers, tablets, video games, and phones, technology is everywhere.
Especially this year, when many parents are working remotely and kids are distance learning. We’re practically attached to our devices!
As parents, it’s also a big source of guilt.
Do we let them sit in front of a screen while we actually get some things done? Or do we push for the screens to be turned off?
Establishing a good balance can take time and effort.
When is it too much screen time?
This is the question, isn’t it?
In our household screentime happens much more often when Mom and Dad are just too preoccupied to realize how much time as gone by.
Let’s face it, kids can be tiring and when they are sucked into a screen we take advantage of it!
It’s always a struggle, and I envy families to have it figured out.
The truth is, it is up to you to decide what is too much for your family.
In our house, it’s when we see an uptick in short fuses. You know when you can just tell things need to be switched up?
It’s a work in progress to limit screen time before that happens, but we’re working on it!
The Power of Play
If you’re new around here, we are big proponents of the power of play! Play is the absolute best teacher kids can have.
When children are playing, they are using and expanding valuable skills such as creativity, problem solving, cooperation, etc.
When kids are on screens, they may be learning, but it just can’t compare to that of open-ended, explorative play in their very own environment!
Also Read: Why it’s good to let children play
How to limit kids screen time
There are a number of ways to limit kids screen time. It’s all about finding the right fit for your family.
We all know there is no one-size-fits all. I’m certainly not here to shame anyone.
To be honest, our family is probably on the high end of screen time.
It’s been especially high this year with distance learning and social distancing. Our kids will pop on the tv or video games in the morning, learn on a screen all day, and end with a family movie night.
Set a Routine
Setting specific rules and times for screen time will help.
If you’re a family that thrives on routine, planning screen time options right in helps the kids know when it’s acceptable to be on the screens and when it’s not.
Some work needs to be done to establish this habit and parents have to be on board to monitor.
Maybe you have a family schedule with screen time available during a certain time… Or, maybe you have a list of things that need to be done before screens are available…
Whatever works for your family!
Either way, it does take some work from mom and dad to establish a routine or habit and not let things slowing loosen. I know I’m majorly guilty of that!
Make someone else the “bad guy”
This is the key. Take the control out of your own hands and blame it on something else.
Stop the nagging and the negotiating by setting up a device or app that will automatically limit screen time and set parental controls.
Genius, right?!
Circle Home Plus
We’ve found a great tool to help monitor screen time and take the responsibility out of Mom and Dad’s hands.
CircleⓇ Home Plus is an easy way for parents and families to manage kids screen time on all their internet-connected devices and keep kids safe online.
The compact and easy to use Circle device, along with the Circle App, allows parents to easily customize
- Age-appropriate filters for different websites and apps (or block content all together)
- Time limits for both individual apps and categories of content
- Bedtimes that automatically disconnect devices from the Internet
- Pause/temporarily turn off Internet-connectivity for a single family member or everyone at the same time
- Focus Time to restrict access to certain sites for specific periods of the day—a perfect tool to keep distance learning or homework time on track
It’s so nice to have the piece of mind to know the kids will be safe online, as well as have set limits that eliminate the negotiations and nagging that come with Mom having to say, “it’s time to turn it off.”
Now, I can just say, “well, I guess that’s it for the day. It’s the Circle – nothing I can do about it.” I can’t tell you how much easier that makes life!
Just for you! Save 20% on your purchase of a Circle Home Plus device + 1 year app subscription or Circle Home Plus device + Lifetime app subscription at momsmeet.link/circlehomeplusshop with promo code MOMSMEET2021. Valid until 10/15/21. One promo code use per person.
Earning screen time
Another great option is to allow kids to “earn” their screen time. This can come from any specific goals your family has. Kiddos in the family will have access to screen time only after other things have been accomplished first.
I would also suggest the reward or goal not be just screen time.
Making screen time alone something of such high value will definitely make it a higher value in their mind as well.
Maybe combine the reward of screen time with other things they enjoy. For example, they could earn time for anything from a pool of video games, extra time outside, messy crafts or play, movie or tv show, family bike rides, reading in a special spot, etc.
It might be interesting to see what they choose!
What the kids will do to earn their chance at screen time is up to your family. It could be anything from finishing school work, completing chores, spending time outside, being kind to their siblings and reaching certain goals.
What to do when the screens are off
I absolutely get it, screen time makes it so easy. We know we can get a bit of a break when needed.
Screen time sucks kids in and keeps their attention. However, that’s probably also why we’re here chatting about limiting kids screen time.
It’s almost a little unnerving how zoned out they’ll get on screens, the obsessions that can form, and sometimes even the behavior problems that result.
So, what are a few things you can do instead of screens…
As I mentioned before about earning screen time, it might help to have a variety of activities that aren’t available too often as options while limiting kids screen time.
We can distract from the screens if we bring up special activities that don’t happen all the time.
Outdoor activities. Some fun outdoor activities to suggest would be riding bikes as a family, scavenger hunts (here are 7 scavenger hunt ideas!), nature hikes, outdoor water play, unique outdoor toys (check out our favorite outdoor toys), etc.
Indoor activities. Get the creativity flowing with some indoor activities that don’t happen to often such as baking together, messy crafts or sensory play, spy codes or spy missions, Nerf fights, Lego, Beach Day, etc.
Sometimes the best thing to do is not structure too much – you wouldn’t believe what my daughter can do with a box!
Activities together. More than anything, our kiddos likely want to spend time with us. Doing things together is a great way to transition kids away from screen time.
Check out these 5 ways to be silly with your kids.
Solo Play. To be honest, kids screen time is usually a result of the adults needing some time to get things done. It can be a little harder to get them to play alone, but it will be easier with time. Creative, open-ended activities are the best option for keeping them entertained longer.
Here is a list of some rainy day activities for kids and many of them are perfect for when Mom needs some time too.
Also Read: Stay active as a family in and around your home
When to relax about kids screen time
We hear all the time that screen time is “bad” for kids. As parents we’re almost ashamed to admit when our kids are spending time in front of the tv, a computer/tablet, or with video games.
Let me tell you, although I’m sharing tips to help limit kids screen time, you will find no judgement from me!
I’ve mentioned quite a few times here, that this is a struggle for us as well. With the Circle, it’s nice to put the monitoring in someone else’s hand and we’re trying to be proactive about encouraging screen-free activities and getting outside now that it’s warming up.
The biggest thing I want you to remember is that the tools are out there, and you know what is best for you and your kids. Trust yourself. You’ve got this!
Don’t forget! Save 20% on your purchase of a Circle Home Plus device + 1 year app subscription or Circle Home Plus device + Lifetime app subscription at momsmeet.link/circlehomeplusshop with promo code MOMSMEET2021. Valid until 10/15/21. One promo code use per person.
