While I love technology for the kids, I also don’t want them just staring at a screen for hours either.
The reason I never made any screen-time rules is because I didn’t know how to. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t know what I even wanted (or didn’t want) to allow.
I made this guide to figure it out, I created questions to ask yourself as a parent what you want (or don’t want) for screen time for the kids. This guide is meant to write down the rules that you want. And post it somewhere to reference when you need to.
Homework
- Fill out the “Screen Time Rules” as a family, make decisions together and talk about why you’re putting these rules in place.
- Brainstorm with your child and fill out the “Things to Do Screen-Free” sheet.
- Report how this goes in The Activity Room: Member’s Only Facebook group (this is a private group).
Figuring Out Your Screen Time Rules
A big reason many of us want to do activities with our kids is to not have them plopped in front of the TV or tablet all day long.
I’m not saying we should just shut it all off and not allow any of it. Instead, figure out what’s going to work for you and your household.
Print off the “Screen Time Rules” sheet and discuss it with the family. Take your time figuring out different scenarios. This might be something that will be a work in progress and change over time. It will definitely change as your family grows and kids get older.
Download the “Screen Time Rules” sheet
Try to be really diligent about putting the Screen Time Rules into place. Pay close attention for a week and follow your screen time rules to a tee. Review and revise for a couple of weeks until you get it to work for you.
Need help? I found this Bob Screen Manager for TV time (affiliate link). It is a little expensive, so I’m not sold on purchasing it yet. However if I struggle with keeping their time down, I’ll be coming back to it (I’m doing this monthly theme right with you).
And there are apps like OurPact for tablets and phones to not only limit time, but also what they can use.
What can you do in place of screen time?
Something that might help is to create a ‘bucket’ list of sorts of what you can do instead of using their tablets or watching TV. Have a list ready for when you need to think of something for your kids to do, but also to give your kids something to look forward to when it’s time to shut off.
Make a list of go-to activities that your child will love. Some ideas to include are:
- Go to the playground
- Go to the library
- Go for a walk
- Go for a bike ride
- Play a game
- Do a puzzle
- Play with play dough
- Write with sidewalk chalk
- Color a coloring page
- Choose an activity from the Indoor Go-To Lists (available to annual members)
- Do the activity of the day
Brainstorm with your child and fill out the Things to Do Screen-Free sheet.
Download the “Things to Do Screen-Free” sheet
Show how technology can be used for other things.
Don’t write technology off as all bad. It is the future for our kids, one way or another. I do believe that it’s going to be to their advantage to learn how to use it.
Use technology as part of your hands on activities! Use the timers on your phone to time how long it takes them to do something, or race to see how fast they can! Use the camera to go on a scavenger hunt and find the items. It can be a useful tool for them to learn!
Plan a day where you head to the library and check out audiobooks (or download them from Audible, or another source). Kids can get some reading time in listening to audio books (they’re great for car rides).
Phones and tablets often have a great camera. Show your kids how to take photos to remember moments. And then look through digital albums that you’ve taken to remember the fun you’re having!
