Parenting is a difficult task in and of itself, but in the digital age, it has become even more difficult for most parents. We can clearly understand how important it is to create clear boundaries for children in the digital age, where even adults have been sucked into a world where endless screen time has become the norm. Learning to balance time spent in front of and away from the screen can be a difficult task that necessitates careful planning and research.
Finding a clear and concise balance between these two worlds is critical for children’s growth and development, and a few strategies can be implemented to better achieve that goal without tipping the scale too far to one side. In recent years, much learning has shifted from in-person to online via education tools on tablets, and while these tools are quite useful, the amount of time spent on these devices should be scrutinized.
Making a well-structured plan for screen time, including where, when, and how to use it, is an effective strategy for maintaining balance. Screen time should be limited to one hour per day for children aged one to five, for example.
Screen time should be limited to one hour per day for children aged one to five, and infants should not be exposed to screen time.Engage the children in the use of the devices, such as using a tablet only at home and not in the car. Making a well-thought-out directive for when to use the devices and when they should be turned off. Avoiding screen time before bedtime is critical to ensuring that children get the necessary amount of sleep for their mental development. Parents should also keep all digital devices out of their children’s bedrooms to prevent them from staying up late playing video games.Parents should teach their children how to surf the internet safely and provide a safe space where they can go if they come across inappropriate content.
Encourage children to move, particularly outside. Because children are still developing, it is advisable to encourage them to play outside at least several times per day. Sitting in front of a screen all day can encourage unhealthy habits, which can lead to lifestyle conditions such as obesity. Playing outside helps them improve both their physical and mental health. Building and creating outside encourages children to be imaginative and to interact with other children. This, in turn, aids in the development of important life skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution, which will be useful in the future.
Creating creative games such as finger painting and Lego building instead of doing them on a screen is another way to reduce screen time and help develop a child’s creativity and curiosity.
Screen time and real life are two worlds that a parent must navigate, and finding the right combination of tips is critical for their child’s well-being. A well-balanced screen time and off-screen time can aid in the development of a healthy communication relationship between a parent and their child. Making a plan, encouraging outdoor activities, and finding substitute activities are all strategies that can be effective in building and nurturing a family.