Hola, parents!
We have already elucidated the pros and cons of screen time in toddlers in the previous blog Screen Yay or Nay: Vitals to Screen Sense… So we’ll quickly cut to what you can do to keep that screen use in check. Here we go.
Screening screens: Tips and filters to keep in mind
- Establishing boundaries: Decide on clear guidelines about screen usage; the timing, the duration, the shows etc. with the kids while you are at home with them. If they whine about the rules, you can coax them saying “Well, we have certain rules to follow to become good boys/girls and that’s okay”. Family video game time can also be a good opportunity to practice setting limits so children can learn that screen time has its place, and then learn how—and when—to turn off the device.
- Encouraging other play and support: Offering age-appropriate interesting options for play instead of media time is another good strategy:
- “Let’s me tell you jungle story, get all the animals and let’s set up a scene” or
- How about building a DIY tent for your child to snug in and do some activities in there..
- Involve them in daily chores. Besides having fun kids gain self-confidence and value that way. So next to them while putting laundry, you can ask the child to go and get his/her clothes as well.
- Another approach is to have a basket of "special" (high preference) toys that only come out when the parent is occupied with a task.
3. Indispensable parental input during screen time: Usually, when parents are watching an adult television show, research shows them talking and responding much less to their children. Even when co-viewing a children’s show together, there is not typically much conversation between parents and children. However, if parents talk about the show with their child, the child can learn vocabulary from that screen experience, with some parental input. They benefit only though support, like parents labeling objects or making connections between the TV program and the child’s world-
- “See how the cat catches the mice on screen? We just saw it in the morning”.
- Use the counting skills your child practiced online as you both count the spoons while setting up the table.
- Use screens to help develop language skills. Share media experiences with your child to enhance learning. Ask questions. Talk about the story or characters in the game.
This does not need to be continuous, but children do need occasional support to maximize learning.
- Quality of media usage: It is imperative for parents to keep a check on the type of shows their children watch. Very popular shows like the ones in which a robot from the future gives gadgets or a preschooler is constantly involved in mischief tend to introduce habits of laziness, dependency and negative mischief in children. Violent programs with a lot of action can also be detrimental to a child. Check what they watch or use the screen for.
- Informative shows and channels like NatGeo, Discovery or cartoon shows like where a young explorer asks you to spot objects can be good for kids.
- Adult channels can be locked for children viewing.
- Look for apps of eBooks centered on a learning goal. Avoid apps with lots of “bells and whistles” that distract children from the educational content. Choose interactive experiences. Look for media that is interactive and allows your child to use his brain.
- Help in extrapolating what your child sees on a screen with real life. If a game has a treasure hunt being played, create a real life treasure hunt for your child. Use the counting skills your child practiced online as you both count birds that fly in the sky. Ask questions. Talk about the story or characters in the game. Help them relate to what they watched on-screen.
- Parental screen usage: Technoference, as previously stated, results in shorter play periods and reduced language learning in young children.
- Establishing a family TV/screen time-table might be a good activity, so that there are shared expectations about how and when the television will be on.
- Recording and watching games during your toddler’s naps/after bedtime (or watching on-demand) may reduce background television during the day. So perhaps part of the family media plan is that there is a several hour period (while the child is awake) that the television is turned off and it is just “play time.”
- Parents should definitely take screens out of the bedroom. Screen time before bed makes it hard for children to fall, and stay, asleep. Instead, include stories, songs, and cuddles during bedtime. Be a role model for screen use.
Show your child how to put screens aside and focus on time together as a family. Silence your phone while you’re spending time with your child so you can focus on each other. Avoid using screens as a reward or as a way to help children recover from tantrums or emotional upset.
Being a parent is about excessive responsibility. While mindful parental media usage is critical, the goal should be to create a balance between screen-based and other ‘real’ activities for your children. Small amounts of children-oriented media exposure, particularly if it is of high quality and parents jointly engage from time to time, are not associated with negative outcomes.
Just like your child needs you while learning to ride a cycle, they need an adult to take them through and help them relate and make sense of what they’re seeing and doing on screens.
Be their filter. Happy parenting!