Screen time is a fact of life for many of us now. So it’s no surprise that our kids are just the same. Between Television, Mobile devices and game consoles all that screen time quickly adds up. 

But what can we do about the ever increasing screen time and what are the benefits of reducing it?

Schedule screentime

A schedule can really help ensure that screen time doesn’t interfere with key family moments or interrupt sleep routine. We recommend all devices go away two hours before bed. This allows you and your children’s brains time to unwind from all the information they process while looking at devices. During the daytime, keep screen time in small short intervals. This will not only help give you some time to crack on with jobs around the house like making dinner or laundry but it gives the illusion they get to be on their devices longer throughout the day when in fact its only 30minutes(1-hour max)

Provide alternatives

By reducing screen time you will be taking away a source of constant entertainment. It’s important to fill the space with something else that will engage the mind and keep them occupied so they aren’t thinking about how badly they want to play on their devices.

Suggestions:

• Crating activities – Indoors or outdoor activities are a great way to engage their creativity.
• Explore Outdoors – Take them to the local park, dog walks, Trip to a nature reserve.
• Checklists – Have them earn their screentime by helping with the household jobs.
• Play! – Plain and simple have fun. Whether it’s board games, toys maybe even a good book! Let your kids and yourself enjoy the moments away from screens.

You have to be involved too!

When implementing all the tips above, it’s important to realise you need to be involved as well. We cant introduce the importance of time away from screens for the kids if we then spend all of our time glued to ours. It sets a conflicting and confusing message and also increases the likelihood everyone will slip back into their old habits.

It might seem daunting to try and tackle screen time especially if it makes up a large portion of your kid’s routine. But remember, start small and don’t expect miracles immediately.