Why our family doesn’t limit screen time, as well as 5 benefits to screen time for kids. Plus, grab a free printable screen time checklist!
Screen Time: Good or Bad?
When our middle daughter was born, the term “screen time” was just becoming a thing. Pediatricians warned not to allow your children any screen time before the age of two. And I tried my hardest to abide by this.
I scolded anyone who left the television on when the baby was in the room, or I turned her to face away from the offending screen.
When friends and relatives asked if my daughter needed an educational tablet or the like, I sternly reminded them that she lived a blissfully “screen free” existence.
I even tried not to spend too much time on my own phone, lest I set a bad example.
Then I got tired.
I was tired of being such a stick in the mud.
Tired of worrying about parenting rules and whether I was going to “ruin” my kids.
And sometimes just plain tired.
I thought about how different the world is now than when I was growing up. Technology is an unavoidable part of our lives. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
My girls can video chat with far-away relatives. The can build their own imaginary worlds and learn to code. And I swear that my youngest daughter actually learned to talk sooner because she was so intently focused on repeating the words she heard on her educational TV shows.
Technology is not the enemy. Instead of banning or placing arbitrary limits on technology, it is important to teach kids its value and how to use it responsibly.
5 Benefits of Screen Time for Kids
- Educational benefits: One of the amazing things about the internet is that it brings a world of knowledge right to us. Educational apps and programming are valuable tools for homeschooling, completing school and homework assignments, and simply learning new things.
- Developmental benefits: Operating tablets, computers, and video game controllers requires coordinated movements. Using these devices helps kids improve their fine motor skills.
- Social benefits: The internet and video chat allows kids to stay connected with family and friends, no matter the distance. Over the past few years, we all saw how apps like Zoom can be beneficial for bringing loved ones together.
- Creative benefits: With electronic devices, kids have access to apps and programs that allow them to draw, paint, play music, code, build websites, make videos, and more. The possibilities are endless!
- Relaxation benefits: Screen time can help kids relax and unwind after a long day. For example, they can watch a calming video or play a relaxing game.
Why Our Family Doesn’t Limit Screen Time
- We view technology as a blessing. As I pointed out earlier, we are able not only to speak to, but to see our loved ones whenever we want. I make sure to let my girls know how amazing this is and that it was not something that their daddy nor I could do growing up.
- Screen time enhances our homeschool. Right now we homeschool both of our younger daughters. We’ve found a few amazing programs that help our girls learn new skills and connect with other kids, such as Wonderland Math. (Learn more about our favorite homeschool resources here).
- We discuss technology as a privilege. Even though these incredible inventions provide convenience and entertainment, they are not a required part of life. As a privilege, screen time is available when the girls are respectful and helpful at home and school.
- Screen time is a family activity. I have no problem admitting that I find it relaxing to watch a bit of TV at the end of a long day, or unwind by playing apps such as Panda Pop. However, we don’t use screen time as a distraction from each other. If the baby is napping, my oldest daughter and I might have “quiet time” where she and I each play a solo game, but we are together in the same room. We don’t allow the girls to have televisions or games in their rooms that would take them away from the family.
- We get our work done first. Before the kids can play on tablets or video games, we make sure that we’ve done all our homework and chores first. This is also amazing motivation for kids to get stuff done! (Check out our screen time checklist printable below!)
- We stay active. Keeping busy with adventures like our nightly walk or trips to the playground means that the kids don’t even have that much time to sit around and ask to watch television or play video games. Limiting screen time is a non-issue on most days.
Our family embraces technology, yet we’ve learned how to keep things in balance. And isn’t balance what life is all about?
Grab the printable PDF version of our screen time checklist here!
Can Kids Have TOO Much Screen Time?
As with anything in life, it’s always possible to have too much of a good thing!
Even though screen time and the internet can be educational or make life easier in some ways, it’s important to make sure that we stay engaged in life outside of the screen. (That goes for grown-ups just as much for kids!)
What may be “too much” for one family, might not be for another.
It’s important to watch your kids for signs that they might have too much. For example, if your child complains of headaches, it might be because they’ve been staring at a screen for too long and it’s time for a break. Or if devices lead to arguments or temper tantrums, it’s probably time to take a step back.
Our family uses parental control tools like AURA to set daily time cutoffs for each device, as well as blocking things that aren’t kid-appropriate. This heads off a lot of potential issues because the kids already know when it’s “bedtime” for their devices, so there are no surprises.
So while we don’t set concrete limits (for example, one hour per day), we do keep an eye on what the kids are doing and when it’s time for a break.
Disclaimer: This post was originally created as a part of a sponsored campaign, but has since been updated to include more relevant information.
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