Screen Time Alternatives

Screen Time!

As parents, we are navigating the waters of screen time. How much is okay? Don't my kids need to know technology in a changing world? Is screen time harmful? There are so many questions surrounding screen time. For parents of young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screens for children under age 2 and one hour a day for preschool and elementary aged children. Data is continuing to surface regarding the effects of screen time for children.

As parents, we desire a peaceful shopping trip, restaurant visit, worship time, or just some time to get work done around the house. Some parents have found that just letting their child watch something on their phone or play a screen game is the answer.

We would like to provide some alternatives to screen time to help. Here are some ideas from parents who have used alternatives to screen time for use with children who are birth through elementary aged children.

  1. Pack a special bag that only comes out when you are at a restaurant/worship time/other event where your child has to sit. The items in the bag are novel. This could include puzzles, coloring books and crayons, Play-Doh, art supplies, toy cars, small toy playsets, activity books with manipulatives, books, shape sorters, dry erase board with markers, sensory toys, Legos, magnet dolls with clothes, activity boards with shoestrings to practice tying shoes, miniature game sets like Candyland or Checkers.
  2. At a restaurant, include everyone at the table in playing a game during the wait time.
  3. Use grocery store time to build language. Walk through the store and include your child in the trip. Talk about what you are doing and what you see. Point to things and ask questions. Include them in picking out items for purchase. Ask questions about items. Give them a can, box, or vegetable and encourage them to talk about what they see. Provide a special cup or snack, or book, during the trip.
  4. Car time can include singing songs, talk about what you see and ask questions. Provide special toys, books, and activities just for the car. Have a mirror available for small children. For older kids, practice multiplication facts, spelling words, or counting money.
  5. At home, use a visual timer for older children to use while you are doing housework. Give them options to play with toys, art project, and read books while you work and when the timer is done, you will read a book or play with them. Include them in chore time or in the kitchen. Parents have suggested a drawer with safe items such as bowls, cups and utensils to play while parent is in the kitchen working. Include them in folding and putting away laundry, cooking, or dusting furniture.
  6. Let little ones play in a safe space such as a highchair with toys or books, or pack and play while being able to see you as you sing and talk about what you are doing.
  7. Spend time with them in play, taking walks, being outside, art, and reading books and let them see you doing other activities. Limit the time they see you scrolling and on your phone.
  8. Give yourself grace. Parenting is hard. Try different things and find what works, but don't punish yourself for giving in on occasion to screen time.

We are all continuing to make sure our children find ways to play independently and increase their own creativity without screens. Talk to other parents and brainstorm ideas in order to encourage each other in limiting screen time for children.