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Five tips for managing screen time for your kids Eve woman

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4 years ago

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It has become almost impossible to survive in this digital word without a phone. Everywhere you turn someone is holding up a device.

And our kids are no different.

If anything, nowadays kids will request for the latest phones when given the option to pick a birthday or Christmas gift they would want.

And although we know the negative effects of too much screen time on our physical, mental and emotional health, we still struggle with putting the phones down.

So where do you begin? For starters, act like a parent and take back control.

As your child’s primary caregiver, you must establish habits and behaviors that lead to less time spent on these distractions.

Here are some tips on how you can set limits and access to how much time your kids spend on electronics.

i.Let them earn it

In this day of instant gratification, kids are always headed down whatever they need without earning it. Parents are guilty of buying things just because their kids asked for them.

Let them do some chores before using any gadget. This way, they will grow up understanding that nothing in this life is free and you must work for what you want.

You could also allow them to use their phones only if what they’re doing is productive and not simply for entertainment.

 As a parents you are probably guilty of buying things just because your kid asked for them (Shutterstock)

ii.Set rules

Take up your role as the parent and set boundaries and rules they have to stick to. Share this information with relatives and nannies to ensure it is enforced every time and everywhere your child goes to help instill control and healthy electronic use.

And just because you’re busy or you feel guilty for letting them down, don’t be a push over.

Set time limits for usage, decide on which days they can and can’t use them, set no screen time zones like at the dining table, no TV at the bedroom and only age-appropriate content is allowed.

iii.Be an example

You are your child’s first teacher and therefore you must model positive digital habits they can mimic. You don’t expect your kids not to throw tantrums and beg for gadgets when you binge on your favorite Netflix series and scroll through your phone every moment you get.

When they see you reading or engaging in conversations with your spouse or older kids chances are, they will model that behavior.

iv.Offer alternatives

When kids are bored the easiest distraction tends to be Candy Crush on their phones or video games. Direct them to healthier alternatives like taking them to the park to play, skipping rope or reading a book.

Encourage them not to become reliant on electronics for entertainment but give them alternatives they can still enjoy and if possible, get involved in those activities as well.

v.Help them understand

The same way you teach your child how to safely cross the streets, what to do when they’re approached by a stranger and why they shouldn’t eat too much candy, is the same energy you should apply to help them understand the dangers of continuous screen time, online safety and how it can interfere and affect their sleep, meal times and social skills.

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