We live in a world that’s dominated by technology, and exposure to screen time is something that every parent will face.
Experts tell parents that screen time can be dangerous for our children, especially little kids! That’s hard when it feels like our kids are around screens all the time.
Plus, moms need a break here and there – right?
Parents have to be cautious that allowing their kids to have too much screen time, but it feels so hard.
Screen time includes:
TV shows and time playing on apps.
“If your child loves a certain show, do you fight it or do you find ways to reduce screen time for your kids?”
Here are 12 ways to reduce screen time for your kids to a reasonable amount without sacrificing what’s left of your sanity.
#1: Moderate Your Own Electronic Use
Kids are little sponges, and they soak up everything that we do and say. That’s why you may notice your child saying things that you do, even if it doesn’t sound nice coming from a toddler. Parents need to set an example when it comes to appropriate when it comes to appropriate screen time use.
We don’t have to have the TV on as background noise. You don’t need to scroll through Facebook every hour. Nothing changes that fast anyway!
#2: Instill a No Screen During Meal Time Rule
One of the best rules that our family set was no screens during any meal times and meals need to be at the table. That’s three meals a day when our kids have no screen time, and we can set a positive example.
Family meals are important for connections and togetherness. It’s a time to reconnect each day and see what’s going on with your kids!
#3: Pick Times or Days to Unplug
Our family schedules times and days when we unplug together. Everyone turns off the TVs and other screens to be together. That might mean we head to the local lake for dinner and swimming in the summer. In the winter, we have weekly game nights.
These times are two-fold. They encourage family togetherness as we make memories and have fun. Our kids love to go fishing, playing new board games, take bike rides, and other activities that don’t involve a screen. They do involve a lot of laughter!
At the same time, it removes screen time from our kids and shows them that there are so many other activities that are fun! Don’t be afraid to try new activities on these times or days. Experiencing new things as a family is a joy.
#4: Don’t Allow Screens in Your Child’s Bedroom
Did you grow up with a TV in your bedroom? Millions of us did, and now we have to decide if it’s appropriate to give a TV to our kids for their bedrooms.
You won’t be able to monitor your child’s screen time use if you allow it in their bedroom. TVs, video game systems, computer, tablets, and more are screens that you might allow them to have in their bedrooms, but then it leads to problems. Your child might stay up late at night, interfering with their sleep. He might start to spend more and more time in his room rather than with the family.
#5: Choose Toys and Activities that Inspire Their Imagination and reduce screen time
Keep toys and supplies in your house that inspire your child’s imagination. Make sure you have age-appropriate craft supplies readily available at all times. Your child can use watercolor paints or finger paints, markers, crayons, glue, stickers, and more. Keep dress-up props and building blocks for your child as well. Older kids love LEGOs to inspire their imagination and encourage STEM skills.
#6: Include Your Child in Daily House Chores
Young kids imitate adults, and they want to do whatever it is that you’re doing. Use that to your advantage and involve your child in your everyday tasks. He can help wash dishes, sweep the floor, and dust.
Not only are you setting a work ethic for your child early in life, but you’re also keeping him busy. Busy is one of the keys to reducing screen time for kids. A busy child that has other things to do in his life doesn’t need a screen to have fun!
#7: Require Chores for Screen Time
Parents who have older kids can benefit from making a system that requires chores to be completed before you allow screen time. Remember that screen time is a privilege, not a need. Your child doesn’t NEED screen time. So, don’t feel bad about requiring chores to earn their privilege.
Each family can set their own rules about chores and screen time. Some require a set amount each day. Other families set an amount of time per chore, and the child can opt to do as little as possible or as much as possible to earn the maximum amount. You set the amount of time that you feel comfortable your child earning each day.
#8: Read to Your Child Every Day
Don’t reserve reading for bedtime. Reading stories can happen at any time of the day. If you notice your child is bored, ask if they want to read a story. That means you have to keep plenty of books on the shelves to pick!
Too much screen time is believed to have negative effects on your child’s language development, so reading counteracts that. Children who are read to on a regular basis have a larger vocabulary.
Each family can set their own rules about chores and screen time. Some require a set amount each day. Other families set an amount of time per chore, and the child can opt to do as little as possible or as much as possible to earn the maximum amount. You set the amount of time that you feel comfortable your child earning each day.
#9: Interact with Your Kids
You don’t have to play all day every day with your kids. That’s not possible for most parents, but you should at least take 15 minutes per day to interact and be with your child. Those 15 minutes should be spent playing, talking, or doing something that your child enjoys that doesn’t involve a screen. Watching your child playing a video game doesn’t count as quality time.
#10: Give Ample Outside Time
Kids NEED outside time as often as possible. Getting dirty, playing in the mud, stomping in puddles, and riding bikes is part of being a child! Get your kids outside every single day, even if you don’t have a lot of space. You can take your kids to local parks if you don’t have a yard.
Those who have yards should offer things for their kids to do outside, such as a swing set. Add things like soccer balls, bicycles, sandboxes, and shovels. My kids love a simple dirt pit with shovels and buckets. They can spend hours outside in the pit, digging up dirt and creating tracks for their trucks to drive over.
When kids get plenty of outside time, they connect with nature. Take time each week to do a nature walk. Learn to identify birds and trees! You might be surprised how much you need to learn about the world around you! If your child is artistic, they can draw things they see while taking the nature walks.
#11: Use a Timer
Limiting your child’s screen time is easier when your child can see for himself how much time he has used and how much time he has left. You can use a timer! If your child can read a clock, you can try setting a clock with an alarm set. If your child can’t read time, things such as a timer you’d use for cooking or a sand timer will work.
You want to visibly show your child that he has time available and when that time is getting to an end. It gives your child plenty of warning that his time is almost up, which removes the fights and screams.
Each family can set their own rules about chores and screen time. Some require a set amount each day. Other families set an amount of time per chore, and the child can opt to do as little as possible or as much as possible to earn the maximum amount. You set the amount of time that you feel comfortable your child earning each day.
#12: Encourage Exercise
Get your child involved in physical activity. Your child can play a sport or two each season, like soccer or basketball! Try dance classes! Some kids love yoga or free gym days when they can bounce on trampolines and try out some new moves. Many dance studios also offer free gym days or “clinics” when your child can come in and practice things like cartwheels and flips.
Physical activity is crucial for your child’s development, both physically and mentally. Plus, most children would prefer these opportunities over screen time. Who wouldn’t enjoy jumping on a trampoline or walking on the balance beam?
Each family can set their own rules about chores and screen time. Some require a set amount each day. Other families set an amount of time per chore, and the child can opt to do as little as possible or as much as possible to earn the maximum amount. You set the amount of time that you feel comfortable your child earning each day.
Final Words - Reducing Screen Time for Your Kids
Excessive use of screens often come about because your child is bored. If they have no other opportunities to have fun or use their imagination, the dependence on screens will occur. Then, it becomes a habit. They get used to watching TV all night long, or they become accustomed to spending hours on the tablet playing apps.
Use these simple tips for reducing screen time to give your child other outlets for their boredom and to instill good habits. Dependence on screens and technology isn’t a habit we want to introduce to our children. With the right examples set by you and encouragement, your children will find that so many other activities in life as just as fun, if not more exciting, than watching a screen.
How do you reduce and limit screen time for your kids? Let us know in the comments!
