There is no question that the pandemic has been a challenge for parents as they do their best to balance work and life at home with children. One of the many struggle’s parents face once their child reaches a certain age (pandemic or not) is that they start learning how to use technology ranging from the TV to laptops, handheld video games to tablets. While it seems harmless at first, and a quick solution to keep them occupied so you have a few more minutes to get things done, too much screen time isn't always a good thing. If you find you're having trouble navigating how and when your child is managing their screen time, here are some helpful tips on managing it. We hope you find these suggestions helpful.
Be the Example
There is a saying that goes 'do as I say, not as I do.' When trying to regulate your child's use of technology, this mantra is not the best to follow. Be the example in this situation. Knowing your child is watching you, think twice before binging TV or picking up your phone to mindlessly scroll through it when you should be paying attention to what’s happening around you or when you should be doing something else. This avoids sending the wrong message to your child that they can spend their extra time doing it too.
Learn the Risks
There's no denying how much more stuff is out there on the internet now for kids compared to when we were growing up. Nowadays, children can easily access all types of content and in many ways between all the apps and social media channels. It makes it harder for parents to track what their child is doing to protect them. Get educated on what's out there and what your child is doing on their phone or tablet so you can be proactive in stopping them from watching things they shouldn't be seeing. If they have passwords, have your child share them with you, and explain why you have these rules to avoid having to hear how unfair they think you're being.
Establish Technology Areas
Nothing will ruin a family dinner faster than a fight over your child having to put away their phone or gaming device while you're in the middle of eating. Establishing certain areas in the house where it's ok and not ok to use technology will limit situations where you have to fight to get them to turn it off and put it away.
Unplug from Time to Time
Similar to establishing areas in the house where your child can and can’t use technology, you should also set boundaries on when to unplug from it all. Too often, we get sucked into whatever we are doing on our phones or computer, which can impact quality time with others or impact timing to get things done like chores. Designate times when technology needs to be off, like stopping schoolwork or a game to get ready for dinner or bedtime, or so that the family can enjoy fun activities together.
Find Other Activities
It's all too easy to sink into the couch and pull out a phone, laptop, or pick up the remote. By all means, this type of technology is not the only available source of entertainment. Encourage your child to get outside whenever possible, read a book, do crafts, puzzles, or play a board game. More importantly, these other activities can involve the entire family, which means precious bonding time in a world where everyone is so busy.
By setting the groundwork around using technology early, the clearer the expectations will be and hopefully will minimize stressful argumentative situations around it.
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Mayo Clinic. Screen time and children: How to guide your child.
