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No matter where we look, screens are everywhere; our phones, computers, tablets, and TVs. They are so much a part of our daily lives that using them with our children is not abnormal. Like many things in life, it can be hard to find a balance. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, not all screen time is created equal, and it is best to limit media use based on the child's age.
Many apps and TV shows generated for young children are marketed as "Educational." However, these are different from real-life learning. One of the most essential ways children learn is through socialization, moving around, and interacting with the objects in their environment. Too much screen time can impact the development of brain areas connected to visual learning, empathy, attention, complex memory, and early reading skills.
A one-size-fits-all approach will not work for some families as your child grows. Because we live in a world where screen time can be unavoidable, you must decide how much media to let your child use each day and what is appropriate.
Here are some ways that you can improve the quality of screen time:
- Be informed. Know who your child's online and offline friends are. Talk to your child about the dangers of predators and encourage them to come to you if something makes them uncomfortable.
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Monitor sites. Learn the sites your children are visiting and whether they are appropriate. Visit Common Sense Media to learn about a movie, video game, book, or app's content and age recommendation.
- Explore. Young children learn through exploration and using their senses. Give your child the objects they see or hear on their screen. Explore how the object looks, feels, sounds, tastes, and moves to promote your child's thinking and language skills.
- Children learn through conversations. Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Ask questions to learn about their ideas and experiences, "Has that happened to you?" or "What would you do?"
- Be active while watching. One of the disadvantages of screen time is lack of movement; therefore, take advantage of opportunities to move. If your child sees an animal, move like the animal with your child, or if there is dancing, get up and dance.
- Show your child they matter. It is very easy to get distracted by our phones and screens. When interacting with your child, model putting your phone or device away and spending one on one uninterrupted time together.
- Provide alternative activities. Instead of using the screen to occupy your child, brainstorm other ways to spend their free time. Consider activities such as building with blocks, creating with playdough or art materials, reading, dancing, or cooking with you.
- Create screen-free zones. Do not allow screen usage during meal times and in bedrooms. Turn off screens one hour before bedtime to promote sleep.
Instead of handing your child a tablet or cell phone, you can also try these instead:
- Read stories to help your child fall asleep at night or naptime.
- When grocery shopping, look for letters in your child's name or talk about numbers.
- Play I Spy when sitting at the restaurant waiting for your meal.
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Check out Vroom for more fun ideas on how to play with your child.
Do not feel guilty about every moment of screen time your child has. Whether you need to shower or put away the groceries, a little bit here and there isn't a big thing. Just remember, children need human connections too!
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