How do I Manage Screen Time for My Kids?

Are you struggling to connect with your child due to their excessive screen time, and you're searching for ways to bridge the gap and strengthen your relationship?

It’s not easy to figure out the correct balance of screen time for kids.  The digital world our children are growing up in has been a new challenge for many parents, including myself. It's a vast landscape out there, filled with social media, YouTube, and more, all vying for our children's attention. But how does this digital realm impact our kids, and how can we as parents navigate it?

The influence of online content can be baffling.  It starts somewhat harmless like mimicking a funny cartoon.  There really isn’t much to think about but as they get older and start to copy styles of clothes that really aren’t age appropriate to on-line video games where the commentary can be quite alarming.   You can find yourself becoming the “tyrannical dictator of the home” to the “permissive and passive parent” while hoping that this to shall pass. 

It's not just about what they're watching; it's about how these online experiences shape their thoughts and behaviors.  There are documentaries of social experiments that have been done through social media to see if emotions can be controlled based on what is shown to the person watching. 

I am pretty certain we've all been there – totally zoned out watching a TV program of some sort. Or the “multi-tasker” who thinks they can scroll on the phone while being talked to and come out of a daze with the person saying, “hey, are you listening to me?”

That, for lack of a better word, hypnotic effect is the problem.  How long does it take for an individual get to that point? That’s really the question. 

Behavioral changes and communication challenges are a timeless problem when it comes to parenting.  Have you noticed any changes in your child's behavior recently? Perhaps they've become more withdrawn or agitated? It could be linked to what they're exposed to online. Furthermore, excessive screen time can make it challenging for us to connect with them on a meaningful level. It's like we're speaking different languages at times!

Your adorable child is growing up and trying to figure out their own independence.  It is not just screen time that can influence how they think and what actions they take, but understanding what comes with any sort of screen time and effects it has can help you to navigate the influences of what is watched on a screen.

What are some red flags to look for to see if the beginnings of a wedge between you and your child?

• Not wanting to come eat with the family.
• Quiet, not having anything to talk about.
• Answering a question with nothing or fine
• Getting annoyed when you ask what they are doing.
• Asserting that they need their privacy.
• Not allowing you to look at their phone.

How do you navigate this time so that your relationship maintains its strength?  

Building awareness and providing guidance is essential.  Being mindful of what your child is viewing online is crucial. It's not about invading their privacy but rather about being actively involved and demonstrating interest. Establishing some guidelines around screen time and discussing online experiences can help you gain insights into their world and offer guidance when needed.

Some examples of guidelines could be:

• Setting time limits.
• Talking about what they are watching or playing.
• Make it safe to tell you.
• Understanding that you may see indicators that they will miss and allowing you to adjust the limits.

Building your relationship with your child is essential to your future relationship with them as adults.  There is more to it than just the digital world but, it seems to be the most influential with our children. By staying informed about our children's online activities, engaging in conversations about their digital experiences, and setting reasonable boundaries, we can help them navigate the digital landscape safely while strengthening our bond with them.

For more in depth strategy to limit screen time for your child, download my free guide 8 Ways to Break Kids Screen Time Habits.