Kris Louis is back with us to share some nice guidance about how to get our kids away from the screen. I know in our home we went from feeling like we were mastering this whole remote work and virtual learning thing until we weren’t. My daughter is definitely enjoying much more screen time than I prefer. Kids everywhere have tablets and phones and are glued to them because parents are trying to keep up with the demands of work. This post is talking about young kids and I know some of you have really been struggling with how to keep the little ones busy while you are on calls and trying to do your job. Take what you can from the post and leave the rest here. It’s meant to be helpful, not judgmental. If you are working from home, share with us in the comments some of the ways you have been keeping your littles busy without putting them in front of the screen (I may have to try them with no no-longer-little one!).
It’s important to keep an eye on screen time for kids of all ages. Too much screen time in kids under five is linked to decreased developmental outcomes. In fact, that’s why experts now recommend that children under the age of five get no more than one hour of screen time per day, and less is better.
Why is screen time bad?
Time spent in front of a TV or tablet is time that kids aren’t developing their motor skills, exploring their environment, or connecting with parents, caregivers, and other children. While it can seem like screens are a great educational tool, it’s these activities that really guide a child’s development. And since so much brain development happens before a child turns five, lapses in early education have lasting impacts.
Why do parents use screen time?
Despite the drawbacks, many parents find it difficult to place tight restrictions on their child’s screen time. And it’s not hard to see why. Between their careers and their families, today’s parents are busy non-stop. When handing their child an iPad allows parents to get a healthy dinner on the table or help an older sibling with homework, a little bit of screen time seems like a fair trade-off.
For many parents, it’s hard to see an alternative that doesn’t cost a fortune. Nannies aren’t exactly cheap, and someone has to keep the family fed. But there are better, cheaper ways.
3 ways to reduce screen time (and save money doing it!)
Store devices out of sight
Out of sight, out of mind is surprisingly effective when it comes to reducing a child’s screen time. Store tablets in a drawer or other out-of-the-way place and avoid using your phone in front of your kid or storing it where they can see it. TVs are harder to hide, but not impossible. An entertainment center or TV wall cabinet with doors lets you hide the TV after use. Instead of paying for expensive built-ins, look to options from budget-friendly furniture retailers like Hayneedle. Since Hayneedle offers free shipping over $49, you won’t spend more to buy online.
Get more green time
Screen time is linked to behavioral problems. Green time, on the other hand, is linked to reduced stress, increased confidence, and greater creativity and imagination. In addition to creating a safe backyard space for your child, consider enrolling in their first team sport. Even if your child isn’t a natural, they’ll reap the many benefits of team sports, from motor skills development to social skills development. Since you don’t want to spend a fortune on equipment your child will soon grow out of, look for discounted gear at stores like Target or Kohl’s and use promo codes and coupons for extra savings.
Buy toys that capture the imagination
Toys deliver in all the ways that screens fall short. Not only do toys make children use their imaginations, but they keep their bodies moving and their skills developing, too. While there’s no shortage of toys on the shelves, buying flimsy or trendy toys is a recipe for wasted money. Instead, look for classic toys that will capture your child’s imagination again and again. After all, there’s a reason that toys like building blocks, chalkboards, and play dough never go out of style. Instead of shopping the clearance aisle for new toys, look for quality toys that will last and buy fewer of them to save money.
Limiting your child’s screen time doesn’t require a drastic overhaul. By reducing your child’s exposure to electronic devices and providing positive alternatives to screen time, you can reduce screen time and create healthier routines for your family. If money or time has kept you from getting serious about screen time limits, let these tips help you make the leap.
About Kris
Kris Louis is a mom to two rambunctious boys. Her oldest is 10 and her youngest is 7. A former advertising copywriter, she recently created ParentingWithKris.com, where she puts her skills to work writing about the trials and tribulations of parenting. Kris, her husband, and her two boys live in Durham, NC.
Very informative and practical advice. Thanks for the post.
I enjoy when Kris shares her thoughts and advice with us. She and Laura fill a nice gap around here with the family posts!
Great information for young parents. I think I am very happy I grew up when I grew up.
You and I both Bill! I am thankful that I didn’t have the battle of screens and such. I can’t imagine how hard it had been this past year for parents who work full time AND have little ones at home without help. When my daughter was young, I worked from home but had her in daycare for the day so she could socialize and I could focus on work. On days it was closed, we had a routine and I was able to keep her busy but that was here and there not daily.
Taking the current situation off the table, screen time was never a struggle for us because we didn’t own a television and my daughter doesn’t have a phone or tablet. She has a computer with set usage when I’m not working so she LOVES when I am because then she has additional time. I admit it’s a wonderful babysitter since we have the software to ensure she is safe.
I just hope this year plus of her having extra time doesn’t take away her love for outdoors and non screen time fun more often. So far so good on weekends – Board games, puzzles, walks, long drives. I’m ready for being able to get out and about though and back to life fully with travel and enjoying weekends out of state!
I agree and I agree and I agree ☝️ because we homeschooled, screen time had to be monitored, perhaps more so because the girls were home and as a wife and mother, housework can always be found 😅. I had to find alternatives for the girls and most of your suggestions I’ve used
Hi Brenda! Kris did a wonderful job once again!! I really enjoy when she stops by and blesses us with a post!