Digital Detox: Minimize Screen Time for Parents, Children & Nannies
Photo credit: Michael Appleton for The New York Times
Think about it. What DO we have control over these days? You might find yourself feeling like the days of “structure and routine” are slipping through the cracks.
While the majority of school-aged children are studying remotely, the result is scattered schedules and copious amounts of screen time.
It goes without saying that excessive screen time makes all of us feel lousy. When it comes to younger children, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting preschool-aged children (from ages 2 to 5 years old) to less than one hour of screen time per day. “Higher screen time viewing at 2 and 3 years of age was associated with children’s delays in meeting developmental milestones at 3 and 5 years of age, respectively,” shared Sheri Madigan, assistant professor and research chair in determinants of child development at the University of Calgary. “This study shows that, when used in excess, screen time can have consequences for children’s development. Parents can think of screens like they do giving junk food to their kids: In small doses, it’s OK, but in excess, it has consequences.”
We get it. We’ve had the rug ripped out from beneath our feet. It’s winter, many of us are stuck without a nanny or family, and we’ve been stuck at home for months on end. So, what can we do??
Have a simple, productive conversation about the effects of screen time with your team (parents, kids, caregiver).
“Things have been different the last several months, and as a family, we have had to adjust. We have not had as strict of rules with screen time… How does (excessive) screen time make you/us feel? “
“Does screen time affect your/our ability to zone in and focus?”
“Does it make you feel less motivated? What can we do to change this?”
Set realistic expectations on amount of screen time allowed per day.
Of course, this amount will depend on whether your child/children are using screen time to accomplish school obligations. How much time are either/both parents using for work and for obligations outside of work? Has there been a limit put on screen time outside of school tasks?
Remember: A healthy limit is meant to set everyone up for success and to feel their best. It is not a punishment!
Do your best to set healthy boundaries without any negative connotation. Even without having had structure this last several months, this is a great chance to make a change and focus on the “now”.
SAMPLE:
Parents will keep personal devices turned off upon waking up, and until 9:00am. This will allow for an uninterrupted breakfast and smooth start to the day.
They will be cognizant of screen/TV time in the early evenings while children are present, and on weekends. (Limit to 1-hour of TV per day around children).
Phones and/or TV’s will be turned off during meal times.
Nanny and Family Members will limit/omit phone usage while caring for children (with the exception of during nap times).
Children will be allowed up to 20-minutes per day of TV/tablet usage, outside of school obligations, and only if/when household tasks and homework has been completed.
Plan a digital-free weekend each month.
Plan ahead, and write it down on the calendar. Again, it’s not a punishment, but a healthy goal.
This can be great way to evaluate any positive/negative changes in behavior. You may also notice whether your child/children have grown dependent on electronics for their main source of entertainment.
Get outside more often, and as much as possible.
To quote the Simple Families article, 7 Reasons Your Kids May Need a Screen-Detox,
“When our children spend most of their days inside in temperature-controlled environments, they are losing vital sensory exposure. They miss the feeling of wind on the face. The sensation of sweat beading on the forehead. The surprise of a loud firetruck rumbling by. Humans have evolved to be outside and the implications of nature-deprivation that our children are facing are still yet to be understood fully.”
Sure… we know that time spent outdoor encourages exercise. Exercise is great! But what else does outdoor time provide? It encourages sensory input and also allows for more opportunities to socialize with others.
— Go out on a scavenger hunt! (Search Pinterest fo great ideas with this).
— Have the kids paint rocks to hide/leave around your neighborhood as a surprise for others.
— Build a snow for or a snow person.
— Make hot chocolate to enjoy under the stars.
— Plan a spring/summer garden in your yard.
— Take a scenic drive.
— Make a bonfire with s/mores.
We hope this helps inspire everyone to zone in on screen time usage and to make new, achievable goals for the whole family!
Sources:
Jacqueline Howard, “More screen time for toddlers is tied to poorer development a few years later, study says,” accessed January 14, 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/28/health/screen-time-child-development-study/index.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CHigher%20screen%20time%20viewing%20at,have%20consequences%20for%20children's%20development.
