Finding Balance: Nurturing Healthy Screen Time Habits for Kids

     New generation, new technology, same ol’ question: How much screen time is too much & when is it okay?
     Moderation always seems to be the answer and when used purposefully. During the school year it seems to be able to quantify the moderation with school work, homework, and projects. Now we are entering the season of more downtime and the screens (computers, tablets, phones, handheld gaming devices & consoles, and binging television shows) becoming a quick go-to and time spent on it is much more passive.
Here are some guidelines to consider:

1. Age-Appropriateness: Young children, especially infants and toddlers, should have minimal screen time. As children get older, screen time can be gradually introduced. It should still be monitored and limited based on their developmental stage.
2. Content: The type of content being consumed matters. Educational and interactive content would be more beneficial than passive entertainment while  encouraging activities that incorporate learning, creativity, and critical thinking.
3. Balance: Screen time should be balanced with other activities such as physical play, social interaction, reading physical books, and outdoor time. It's important to maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities to support overall well-being.Screens can be part of the routine, they should not be the routine.
4. Quality over Quantity: Focus on the quality of screen time rather than the quantity. Encourage meaningful activities such as learning apps, creative tools, or interactive games rather than mindless scrolling or watching.
5. Setting Limits: Set clear boundaries and time limits for screen use. Establishing consistent rules around screen time can help create a healthy balance and prevent excessive use.
6. Parental Supervision: Children of all ages should be supervised during screen time. This is to ensure they are able to facilitate learning and interaction with minimal frustration while engaging with appropriate content. This is usually seen while a parent is trying to complete a task. The child may be on a device while the parent is in earshot of the activity chosen and can monitor or even participate in the activity.  Dinner has to be made and laundry must be folded, right?!
7. Modeling Behavior: Be a positive role model by demonstrating healthy screen habits yourself. Limit your own screen time and prioritize face-to-face interactions and other activities.  Easier said than done… but can definitely be achieved when the habit is practiced. Have your child hold you accountable with gentle reminders just like you do for them. 
8. Mindful Use: Encourage children to be mindful of their screen use and to take breaks to rest their eyes, stretch, and engage in other activities. 
9. Bedtime: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime, as exposure to screens close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. (Another tip for the parents to put into practice)
10. Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with children about screen time and its effects. Encourage discussions about responsible use and the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.
11. Earning/Rewards: Valuing their screen time by earning it will also add purpose. We all need our downtime and children are no different. The reward could also include YOU in that interactive screen time 
12. Shared Interests: Let your child(ren) get excited about the discoveries they make while playing & learning. This is a great way to encourage confidence. Whether it is mastering a new skill, producing a movie, creating a code, coloring a page, or competing against each other. Sharing these interests can take a lot of these conversations “offline” and maybe even lead to an experience gifts idea.

          Ultimately, the appropriateness of screen time depends on various factors including the age of the child, the content being consumed, and how it fits into their overall lifestyle. You know your child(ren) best. Strive for a balanced approach that promotes healthy development and well-being. We all need our downtime and children are no different. 



(***Great Mom Hack: Let the conversation always be open about internet safety. The rules or advice may change with which platform the child is using, if the screen time is passive or interactive,  or how much social interaction can be a part of the experience.)