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Finding Balance with Screen Time
“Here, enjoy this,” I say to my little one while settling him down with a handful of Goldfish crackers and an episode of Rescue Pals on the tablet. “Mommy’s got dinner to whip up.”
Screen time has stirred quite the debate among parents, but let’s be real— not all screen time is created equal. I’m totally okay with admitting that digital devices are just part of our daily routine, and I’m not worried my kids are turning into mindless robots because of it.
Each child is unique, and their screen preferences vary. It’s our duty as parents to determine what’s suitable and for how long. Common sense plays a significant role here. If watching Rescue Pals gives me a chance to prepare a nutritious dinner for my family, I’m all in.
Guidelines for Screen Time
For my kiddos, aged 2 and 5, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting screen time to one hour daily for the little ones and two hours or less for kids aged 6 and up. And this doesn’t even cover educational activities like reading or research.
I strive to adhere to those guidelines, but let’s be honest—sometimes an extra episode of Doc McStuffins isn’t going to ruin anything.
The Benefits of Screen Time
Even when screens are just for fun, they can offer benefits. I utilize screen time to help my kids develop emotional intelligence. If you’re not familiar, it’s all about recognizing and managing your own feelings while also being understanding of others’ emotions. This skill will come in handy on the playground and in life.
Every Saturday, we have our family movie night, complete with chocolate milk and popcorn. We snuggle up and zone out like it’s a college party. Since my kids are still young, Disney flicks are their go-to. One night while watching Tangled, my daughter asked, “Mommy, why is she so sad?”
That simple inquiry ignited a family discussion about feelings and how our actions affect others. Explaining the complexity of emotions to a 5-year-old is harder than you’d think (Disney characters are much deeper than they seem!).
Maybe it’s the fact that Rapunzel is a princess or that 5-year-olds are naturally curious, but our discussion carried over into the next day and the next movie night. Soon, we established a routine of doing a book-club-style recap once the movie was over. We’d talk about the plot and the emotional choices made by the characters.
Engaging Through Media
Could I teach these lessons through books? Absolutely! But the reality is, my kids are going to watch movies anyway, so why not seize the moment to engage with them?
Our world is filled with technology, and screens are likely here to stay. Figuring out how to weave them into our lives without letting them take over is a struggle many of us face. It’s our responsibility as parents to guide our kids in using screens responsibly, even when that feels like a mountain to climb.
If your teen is an angsty gamer, use that as a gateway to connect. Ask about their favorite game, characters, or storylines. You might be shocked at what you discover or what you can teach them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, screen time isn’t all bad. Keep an eye on what your kids are watching and manage it as you see fit. Engage them in conversations whenever possible. Even if there’s no profound lesson, simply sharing interests can be beneficial.
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Summary
Screen time, when managed properly, can be a valuable tool in teaching emotional intelligence and connecting with children. By engaging with their media choices, parents can create meaningful conversations and shared experiences, ultimately enriching family life.