Living in the world of the 21st century cannot be imagined without screens. As soon as a child enters the world, he/she is exposed to so much radiation, cameras, and technologies all around. So, how can you imagine a child becoming a toddler and not using your iPhone, Ipad, or watching cartoons at a stretch? And that’s when the real struggle of always fighting with your kids over eating while watching cartoons begin.
Technology no doubt has captured the world over. Especially in a pandemic when the whole world just got more confined within the four walls of their houses. And that’s when the increased usage of phones and screens began. Many parents struggling with work-related stress found it as a breather to keep their kids distracted and not bother them. But, amidst all these, have you ever wondered about the cons of this increased screen time at such a tender age?
The increased screen time among toddlers and kids can result in less attention span when they start schooling. Therefore, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that smartphone usage or screen time for kids between 0-5 should not be more than 2 hours per day.
7 Healthy Ways to Reduce Screen time for Kids
With screens everywhere, it’s almost impossible to keep your kids away from screens all the time, but setting certain goals and establishing healthy digital habits can contribute a lot to their digital well-being.
Here are 7 healthy ways to help you reduce screen time for kids.
1. Create an active environment at home
Instead of handing over digital devices to your kids, try adding more toys to your kid’s wardrobe. Help them engage in physical activities as much as possible. This will help them engage more than being distracted by their digital devices.
2. No Phone Zones
Encourage healthy eating habits among family members by creating no phone meals. This will help them know a specific time when the screens are off, such as during dinner and an hour before bed.
3. Give Proper Attention
After school or work, have a conversation with your kid. Ask them about their day or engage in some fun playful activities to make them feel heard. Instead of handing them devices to keep them busy, give them proper attention as and when needed.
4. Use Technology for advantage
There are various app blockers available within the system and online. Use these app blockers to control screen time for kids and stick to it.
5. Indulge them in Extra-Curricular Activities
Be it a toddler or a school kid, after-school indulges them in some sort of physical and extracurricular activities. This will boost creative acumen within them and keep them away from screens at the same time. Invest in searching for good classes nearby and not online.
6. Avoid Screens in Kid’s room
According to the research, kids having media devices in their bedroom are not only more prone to blue ray emission but also end up being more online, resulting in sleeplessness and disturbed sleep cycles.
To encourage sound sleep, avoid keeping any phone, TV, or any other digital media in the kid’s room at night.
7. Make connections with Nature
Bring a no-screen day into a kid’s life. Take them out in nature, walk, play, and travel more on weekends.
Exposing your kids to the latest technology or age-appropriate games is not bad. But keeping everything within the limit becomes important in the growing years. You may initially encounter a lot of problems while limiting your child’s screen time but in the longer run, remember it’s worth the arguments about setting certain limits to screen time. Your kid may be one unhappy person who won’t be having much to talk about or discuss the latest video games, but in the long run, you would be able to see certain positive changes, including increased focused time, creativity, observation, and the time spend and remembrance of childhood, including the moments spent with you.
Taabur strives to simplify the discovery process so that parents may discover the ideal activities for their children and keep them entertained during their formative years.
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Happy Parenting ❤️