ICYMI- Parent Ed Talk- Raising Children in a Digital World

If you were able to attend the Parent Education talk with Dr. Roberts last week I’m sure you left with some valuable knowledge regarding screen time … I know I did! If you were unable to attend in person you can click the link at the bottom to view the recording at your own convenience. The recording does not include any dialogue from the Q and A session, so I highly encourage you to attend future parent education sessions in person to gain that helpful insight!

Dr. Roberts discussed specific scenarios regarding screen time that were considered low, medium and high risk for children. I wanted to focus this article on sharing some of those helpful thoughts and practical tips that you can start at home to create healthy boundaries for screen time, without eliminating it completely. Those boundaries can help your family coexist with screen time in a positive way. Hopefully you find some of these tips helpful!

Low Risk Screen Interactions

• Watching a movie together as a family.
• Educational apps for a limited amount of time or as a reward. 
• Participating in Just Dance or other workout videos together. 
• Watching and following along with a draw along video. 
• Keeping track of a budget utilizing google docs/sheets. A neat thing for students a little bit older to learn to track!

Medium Risk Screen Interactions

• Playing video games for a limited amount of time (30 minutes suggested maximum) with family or friends. 
• Watching movies on a device during a long road trip downloaded by a family member prior to the trip. 

High Risk Screen Interactions

• Using screens for car rides lasting 30 minutes or less. Instead use the time to talk about your child’s day or sit quietly. That silence is sometimes a great way for your child to unwind from the day. 
• Watching videos on a tablet or phone at the dinner table or at a restaurant. Another great time to connect through conversation instead while practicing social skills.
• Watching videos while at the grocery store. Instead, come up with games to engage your child, hold conversations together or have them practice sitting quietly. Sitting quietly is an important skill to build mental stamina. 
• Screens before bed time. Limit screens as much as possible one hour prior to bedtime. Replace with other quiet activities such as reading, homework, games, yoga, etc. 
• Using screens during the bed time process. Use that time to read books and have a short conversation about the day. The literacy practice is so important and bed time conversations provide some of the most fruitful conversations of the day!
• Leaving the TV on for long periods of time, even as background noise.
• Watching Youtube in general on a phone or tablet. It’s difficult to filter everything, even on Youtube Kids. 

Dr. Roberts touched on the importance of adults being mindful about the amount of sensory overload their children and themselves are exposed to. Many of these High Risk Screen Interactions lead to overstimulation for students resulting in unexpected behaviors that are hard for them to control.  We have so much technology at our disposal that many times we run to give our kids something the moment they get bored. Let’s give them more space to be bored. Although doing that can be hard, it will help your children understand how to deal with their emotions in a healthy way, making it easier for you and them in the long run. 

I encourage you to sit down as a family and have conversations regarding technology in your household. What parameters do you want to set going forward? When do YOU think is the appropriate time for your children to have a phone? The answers may be different for every family, and I encourage you to establish your expectations and follow them, no matter what anyone else decides to do. Chances are that others would like to establish some of the same norms! I’m not saying it will be 100% easy, but remember that while some of these things may disappoint your children, they will thank you for it down the road. At the end of the day you are not their friend and must make the best decision for them and your family. 

I hope you found this article practical and beneficiall. This is not an easy discussion to have without seeming opinionated or judgemental. Please take this information and use whatever works best for your family. No judging yourself or others, just honest reflection. We are all in this parenting thing together, and the fact that you took time to attend the presentation in person, watch virtually or read this article means you care about being the best parent you can be. You can do it!!

 Thank you so much for reading, now put down your phone! :) 

Watch Dr. Robert’s Presentation Here