Let’s face it, letting your little one watch a show or play a game on a tablet, gaming console, laptop, or TV can be super convenient, especially when you need to get stuff done. But did you know? Kids today are spending an average of four to six hours of screen time daily—way more than the recommended one hour a day. For little ones under 18 months, experts advise zero screen time, as they tend to learn best from activities like playing with family, singing songs, and enjoying storybooks. If cutting back on screen time is on your to-do list this year, we've got some tips for you.
Set Boundaries
It might be hard to eliminate screens, but you can create some limits. How about making dinner time or homework hours screen-free? Set daily or weekly screen time limits and establish a no-screen curfew, like an hour before bedtime.
To keep tabs on usage, there are plenty of apps that can help. And here's a pro tip: keep screens out of your child's bedroom and have them charge their devices in a common area (or your bedroom) at night.
Get outside
If you want to also ensure your child gets some physical activity in, encourage them to go outside. Better yet, get the entire family involved and go to the park, play in the backyard, or do a family walk before or after dinner.
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Do arts and crafts
If it’s too cold or gloomy outdoors to go outside, plan some arts and crafts projects. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just keep some simple supplies like colored paper, markers or crayons, glue, pom poms, paper towels or toilet paper holders and let your little ones explore their creative side.
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Grab a book
It’s recommended that starting in kindergarten kids read a minimum of 20 minutes each day. So, provide your little one with tons of books and encourage them to read often.
You can go to the library and check out books about topics that interest them or things they’re learning about in school. You can do challenges to see who reads the most books and offer a prize at the end of the month.
Fostering a love of reading at an early age offers several benefits like increased vocabulary and strong writing skills. Even better, reading 20 minutes daily is still the best predictor of academic success.
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Try some interactive play
Play a board game or solve a puzzle. Having a family game night is a great bonding activity and a fun way to teach kids about rules and problem-solving.
Help cook and bake
Do your kids normally watch TV while you prepare dinner? If so, start to involve them. Make them your sous chef.
If they are younger, let them help with smaller tasks like stirring, pouring, and measuring ingredients (also a great way to work on some math skills).
If they are older, let them try their hand at a simple recipe. This is a great opportunity to teach them life skills and talk to them.
Explore your community
How about a field trip to a local museum or attraction? You could catch a puppet show or visit the zoo. To keep it budget-friendly, check out if your library or county offers free tickets or discounts. It's educational, fun, and a great way to spend time together away from screens.
Every household is different but the key is to find the right balance. By weaving these screen time alternatives into your family’s routine, you're not just cutting down on digital overload you’re creating new learning and bonding opportunities for your family.
