How To Navigate Screentime — Trisha Enriquez
Right here’s how I strategy display screen time with my children:
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Set Clear Limits
We set age-appropriate display screen cut-off dates, particularly through the college 12 months. For youthful children like Noa, that may imply not more than an hour of display screen time a day, whereas older children like Harper might get a bit extra. This helps children perceive boundaries and makes it simpler to handle. In our household, we preserve mealtimes and earlier than mattress screen-free to make sure that screens aren’t taking on vital household moments or disrupting sleep!
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Select High quality Over Amount
Not all display screen time is unhealthy! I deal with ensuring the time they do spend on screens is productive. There are such a lot of nice instructional apps and applications that may interact our children and really assist them study!
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Co-Watch & Co-Play
Among the best methods I’ve discovered to handle display screen time is by being actively concerned in what my children are doing. At any time when I can, I’ll co-watch exhibits or co-play video games with them. This enables me to watch what they’re consuming and turns display screen time right into a bonding expertise.
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Create Display-Free Zones and Occasions
It’s straightforward for screens to take over our each day routines if we’re not cautious. In our dwelling, we’ve created designated screen-free zones—just like the dinner desk—and we stick with screen-free instances, like throughout household meals or proper earlier than mattress. These easy modifications assist us all keep extra linked and current with one another!
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Mannequin Wholesome Digital Habits
Let’s be actual—our children are all the time watching us! If I’m glued to my telephone throughout household time, it sends the message that it’s okay for them to be absorbed of their gadgets too. That’s why I’ve made a aware effort to place my telephone away throughout key moments, like meals or after we’re having conversations.
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Encourage Offline Actions
We’re fortunate to stay in a world filled with tech, however I additionally be certain that to create loads of alternatives for offline actions. Each my women are signed up in extracurricular actions, like soccer and swimming and this retains them very busy. Additionally, we’re blessed to stay in a group the place all our neighbours are exterior taking part in on a regular basis after college and on weekends. Moreover, we actually take pleasure in happening household walks collectively! These non-digital moments are important for serving to our children keep bodily energetic, construct social expertise, and spark creativity.
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Navigating Social Media with Older Children
For these with pre-teens and teenagers, managing display screen time goes past simply how a lot time they spend on-line. I deal with open communication concerning the pressures and dangers of social media, like cyberbullying and comparability tradition, whereas encouraging constructive and accountable use of those platforms. Setting privateness guidelines, discussing what’s acceptable to share, and instructing them to navigate social media in a aware manner are essential. I lately teamed up with Sufferer Companies Toronto to lift consciousness to create a safer on-line area for our youngsters, so dad and mom, I encourage you to examine them out!
Screens are a part of our lives now, and that’s not a nasty factor. We’re all navigating this digital age collectively, so don’t be too onerous on your self! It’s about steadiness, not perfection. Let’s preserve elevating aware, tech-savvy children who’re as linked to the world round them as they’re to their screens 🫶🏽
—Trisha xo
