Kids and Screen Time- Are You Concerned?

Screen time for kids is a major concern for parents, teachers and our community.  The amount of information that is given about the dangers can create more fear or guilt for parents as they feel helpless in how to monitor screen time. 

This is a crucial time for parents to be empowered to be in awareness of how screens are affecting family life that plays out in how our children function in the world. Technology is not going away and is all around us. Yet parents can be empowered to not be controlled by technology and empower your kids also to not fall victim to over indulging.  

Today's radio show offers some tips on how to first of all know what you are modeling to your children about screen time and how to know what is best for you and your child. 
Recognizing that every person is different and is affected differently means that as parents we need to be observant and in communication with our children about the effects of screen time. 

To get you started, you may want to ask some questions and check in for what is working for you, your child and your family:

• Is my family's screen time controlling us?
• Does screen time interfere with family activities? 
• Does screen time interfere with sleep? 
• Is snacking in control during screen time? 
• Do I see a difference in my child's behavior before or after screen time? 
• Do I know how my child is using screen time? And what they like about those activities?
• What fears or guilt do I have about screen time? 
• Is my child affected by electromagnetic fields (EMFs)? Am I?
• What is my child learning about screen time from me? Do I need to make some changes? 

Encourage some changes in your family by making some simple changes. Here are a few examples from the radio show, listen to hear more options:

• Talk as a family about what are the things in life that matter most. Share ideas about what is balance and how does it improve life and living. What are different activities and experiences that bring more balance to life?
• Find new hobbies to do together or separately and share what you are learning and creating.
• Create outdoor moments to discover nature, breathe and move. Invite your kids to contribute their ideas for exploring and playing outdoors. 
• Explore different types of screen time and talk about the value of some and the dangers of other types. Find out what your kids are drawn to and why. 
• Set a target for the whole family about screen time- no devices during dinner, or during game time or whatever you set. And set what will happen if the rule is broken. It may mean turning off, putting away or even locking away the devices.

Just as we teach our kids about the use of any outside substance (even food) we model for them what brings about a healthy use of any substance.  I am excited for what you can create for your family to handle screen time with ease. 

For more, tune in to the replay of Kids and Screen Time below.