How to Limit Screen Time for Kids Without Feeling FOMO
Based on personal values, families have different limits on screen time which means there is no single solution to keeping your kids from going overboard.
New research and fresh findings on the impact of screen time are published almost weekly, with conflicting opinions on how much we should limit it. While most parents would agree that it's important to monitor the amount of time spent in front of a screen, finding this balance can be tricky. Based on our personal values and our kids' own interests, every family has different limits on screen time, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping your kids—and you—from going overboard.
Finding what works best for each child at different stages of life is the trick. There are numerous ways to minimize screen time without compromising family time, whether you have a baby, a tween, or a teen. Here are some suggestions on how to limit your screen time without going over budget or increasing your FOMO levels.
Set a weekly schedule and stick to it
Before you purchase anything, decide how much screen time you want to allow per day and stick to it. To make this easier, consider setting up a weekly schedule that your whole family can adhere to. If you have a preteen or a teen at home, be mindful of the fact that their reliance on technology for socialization and education may require extra screen time.
Some younger kids may not have the attention span to sit still for more than 10 minutes at a time, however. If your child is younger and has no attention span to speak of, know that this is normal, and they will most likely grow out of it in time. For them, a little screen time might be just the thing they need.
Check the basics before you buy anything
Before you buy anything—whether it's a TV, a tablet, or a gaming console—check out what internet providers are available in your area. Your internet is your gateway to everything and having a fast connection is important. The same goes for your TV. Make sure you have the right cable or satellite package for the shows and channels that you and your family want to watch.
If you're getting a tablet or laptop, make sure it's up-to-date with the most recent operating system. If you're getting a console, make sure you have the right cables and games that you and your family want to play. While it's important to check the basics, don't forget to look at the other factors that can affect your kids' screen time.
Be selective about what your kids watch.
Screen time is meant to supplement, not replace, real-world experiences. When your kids are watching TV or playing on their devices, try to make sure they're watching something that has some kind of educational value. There are many shows and apps targeted at kids that are designed to encourage creativity and critical thinking through problem-solving.
If your kids are old enough to have their own devices, make sure that they're not being used to playing games meant for adults. Only 11% of kids ages 10 to 17 play video games meant for adults. Most games and apps are geared towards kids, so be selective about what your kids are playing.
Play games together as a family.
There are lots of old-school board games, card games, and puzzles that don't require any tech at all. If you have younger kids, choose games that don't require too much reading or attention span. As your kids get older, consider introducing more complex games like Scrabble or Settlers of Catan. If your kids are old enough, technology doesn't need to replace face-to-face interaction. Instead, use it as a way to bring your family together.
Social networking sites like Facebook and video chat apps like Skype and FaceTime allow kids to keep in touch with friends and family. Interactive online games like Minecraft are another option that they have. These activities are fantastic for keeping your children interested and fostering their social skills. In the case of social media, you can also use it as a tool to stay connected with your kids.
Go outside!
While tech can be a great way to bring your family together, nothing can replace the health benefits of spending time outside. Whether you want to go for a hike, get some fresh air on a soccer field, or just go for a walk, getting your family outside can be a good way to limit screen time while still getting plenty of fresh air and exercise.
It can even be a good idea to set limits on the time spent outside, too. Children who spend too much time outside typically have decreased amounts of vitamin D, according to a recent study. As a result, make sure to give your kids a respite from the sun.
Establish screen-free zones during the day.
Just as you might make a rule that no one in the house can walk on the couch, you can establish a few areas where tech is not allowed. This doesn't mean your kids have to miss out on the latest apps, games, and technology. It just means that they'll have to do so in another part of the house.
If your children are very young, you may want to create a screen-free area in their room because they may not be able to distinguish between their toys and the apps they use on their parents' phones and their own toys. You might also want to establish a screen-free zone in the kitchen while you're preparing meals or in the dining room while you're eating.
Go On A Tech Vacation
Be sure to take regular breaks from the world of tech. Just as you would take a vacation from work or from school, it's important to take time away from the world of tech. You might want to consider taking a tech vacation once a year, especially if you have teenagers at home who are more likely to be plugged in 24/7, 365 days a year. If you have kids, consider taking them away from the internet for a few days so that they can have the opportunity to have fun, play, and socialize with their friends in real life.
You can do this at home or even on a cruise. Cruises are a great option for tech vacations because it's a contained environment in which it's relatively easy to remain internet-free. Plus, you can still stay in touch with friends and family back home by using apps like Facebook Messenger and Skype. Overall, a tech vacation can be a great way to enrich your family's real-life experiences and make tech time more educational and meaningful.
Bottom line
The advantages of limiting screen time far outweigh the disadvantages. A study found that kids who spend less time in front of a screen are more likely to be creative. Additionally, kids with less screen time are more likely to be more physically active. This is due to the fact that being active, playing outside, and creating art with your hands allow your child to be creative and imaginative while also gaining crucial life skills.
These skills include problem-solving, decision-making, and self-discipline, which are all important factors in growing up to be a successful, well-rounded adult. Visit Kidsactivitypage.com for more information, tips, and advice to help your children grow and develop.
