By: Danny May
56% of children in Kentucky spend more than two hours a day playing video games, watching television, videos or DVDs, or on the computer, according to a 2012 survey of parents by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends that children under 2 not watch any television, and that older children have no more than one or two hours of screen time a day.
But let’s be real: that takes work! It’s much easier to just let them plop in front of a TV or device so we can get things done around the house and not worry about them getting into anything, right?
Yet, we know that too much screen time is not good. Common sense tells us that too much TV or video gaming leads to inactivity and lack of creativity. Therefore, common sense also tells us that limiting screen time would be the better option. Kentucky Health News reported that a study by Iowa State University says reducing the amount of time children spend on the computer or in front of the TV will help them sleep more, do better in school, behave better and lower the risk of obesity. Of course those are all things we want for our children.
So how do we draw a hard line on screen time without being so hard-nosed about it?
Step #1 is becoming aware or your family’s screen time habits. Start by monitoring the screen time in your household for a day – or even better – a week. Then start backing it down. A WebMD article on this topic made an excellent point that it’s okay to make gradual changes. It helps everyone ease into it. Another interesting thing about this approach is it allows you to notice the gradual change in attitudes, productivity, etc. which can be great conversation points when you do start setting new limits. It’s also important to back up what you’re trying to accomplish by explaining “why.” Plus, you can use what you’ve noticed so far to help back up your stance.
A Huffington Post article quoted Rebecca Jackson, author of The Learning Habit, who suggested a parenting style that she calls “empowerment parenting,” which uses “thoughtful rules and effort-based praise to reward desired behavior.” By creating awareness about device use in the home through empowerment parenting, parents can set up routines and consistent guidelines surrounding screen time that are easy for children to follow, Jackson said.
“It’s just like life,” Jackson explained. “First we work and then we get paid. First we do our household chores and then we get the media use. Parents who are waking up in the morning and letting their children watch TV first thing before school are really missing the boat here.”
The research I read for this article consistently said it’s very important for parents to set the example here. By and large, our children value what we value. So if we limit our own screen time, that will go a long way in validating our limit setting.
KidsHealth.org makes these suggestions to create good TV/screen/media habits in your home:
1. Limit TV-watching hours (After the morning chores are done; after homework; not after 8 p.m.; an “extra hour” on the weekends)
2. Put other things to do in the TV room: books, kids’ magazines, toys, puzzles, games. (Then play with your kids. Give them better options. Give them adventure and play. Stimulate their senses. Again, this takes work, but it’s well worth it.)
3. Keep TVs and internet connections out of the bedrooms. (They always need to be monitored, especially on the internet.)
4. Turn the TV off during meals. (Family meal times and car rides are the best chances for conversation for most families. Don’t let TV dominate and distract. If you’re starting with gradual change, start by setting the rule of “no TV the first 10 minutes” and go from there.)
5. Don’t allow kids to watch TV while doing homework.
6. Treat TV as a privilege to be earned. (This helps to reshape the mindset. TV/media is not a necessity. It’s a bonus.)
7. Establish and enforce family TV viewing rules. (Be the parent. You are ultimately responsible for what goes on in your house. As hard as it may be to stick to your plans, the more work you put in during those younger years, the more long term reward you see in later years.)
8. Record and watch only the shows you want your kids to watch. (Again, take control. Set the tone. Gauge what you want your children to watch.)
With the Holidays approaching, getting screen time under control is important for several reasons. For one, it might help in gift buying selection. Also, establishing healthier media habits and routines now will help keep screen time under control if your child does receive a new device for Christmas.