My daughter wrote this herself, after realizing she was spending too much time on screens during the summer.
My daughter has really struggled with balancing her time on screens. We all can relate to this! She realizes that if she goes on to YouTube, she will get sucked in for hours because of the continual stream of suggested videos that entice her to watch more. She loves to watch DYI videos but then doesn’t take the time or gumption to make them! Then she will feel badly for spending all that time on them.
One of the toughest challenges of parenting today is managing screens. Our parents didn’t have to deal with this so it is all unchartered territory. I don’t have all the answers, below is what is working for our family right now. I have to say also, that both my kids do not have cell phones yet so that is one less screen to manage!
Placing limits is something each family needs to figure out what works for them. I have placed limits as far as the content, i.e. No graphically violent or age inappropriate video games.
I have never put strict time limits on my kids regarding screen usage except that every Wednesday is screen free day. I don’t put strict time limits for the following reasons:
1) I want them to be able to learn regulate themselves. I don’t want screens to become the forbidden fruit. I want my kids to grow in to adults who can spend time productively on screens.
2) I want them to check in with their body and mind and be mindful of how they feel after they have spent time on screens.
I do this by asking questions
Questions to consider:
1) How do you feel after spending your afternoon on the iPad?
2) How does your body feel? Tired? Wired?
3) How do you feel about yourself? For example, are you feeling less than because you don’t have your own gymnastic equipment like Hayley of the Bratayley videos?
4) Were you inspired by anything you saw?
Here’s the rules we have in our house.
Screen Rules
1) Make sure you have time to finish homework at a reasonable hour
2) Screen free Wednesdays
3) No inappropriate/violent video games. Check with adult before purchasing.
4) No screens after 8pm
5) All phones in charging station after 8pm in living room
6) No chatting with or playing video games with people you don’t know
7) Wi-fi is disconnected before I go to bed. This gives your body a break from some EMFs (electro-magnetic frequencies).
How do you handle screen time? Is it working or do you feel like’s it’s a constant battle? Is the phone the most challenging with your child not able to do homework without texting?
I’d love to hear your challenges as we are all in this together! Please comment below!
I have 3 spots left for Girls Rock Yoga Workshop on Friday October 30th, 10am-3:30pm for middle school girls. Click here to register.
To be put on the waiting list for classes starting in January,
click here for girls in 4th-8th grade.