Tablets, smartphones, television and video games play a major role in our daily lives. Technology can be a positive thing, but when it dominates our kids’ free time, we have to begin limiting it. With these easy tips, even reluctant kids may not notice they are cutting down the time they spend with technology.
Step outside
The easiest way to cut down on screen time is to play outside. Kids can ride bikes, use sidewalk chalk, take a walk, play catch or play in the sprinkler. When kids are preoccupied outdoors, they are less likely to think about TV or video games.
Set limits
Set clear boundaries for your kids when it comes to electronics. Olathe mom of three Amy Cameron says, “Zero screen time is allowed in the morning before school.” Many other parents don’t allow any phones or television during meals. Setting limits on how much screen time is allowed and at what times of day is a good strategy.
Join extracurricular activities
Kids who are busy with sports or the arts have less time to play on electronics because they spend their time practicing and at games and performances.
Set a good example
When attempting to limit screen time for your kids, take a look at how much time you spend on screens yourself. Good or bad, our kids learn from our actions and we can set a good example about when it's appropriate to look at our phone and when it’s time to focus on other things.
Earn it
“Screen time checklists need to be completed before kids get their devices,” says Anna Schuster, Olathe mom of five. Many parents find a helpful strategy is to give kids a checklist of items to complete before they are allowed to use their screens. This may include school work, chores, instrument practice or reading time.
Host a playdate
One way to cut down on time for screens is to host a no-electronics playdate. With friends over, kids can occupy themselves playing and socializing with their pals.
Get cooking
Distract your kids from electronics by keeping them busy in the kitchen. They can help cook and bake and have fun sampling the things they have made themselves.
Explore the city
Visit the Kansas City Zoo, Deanna Rose, Union Station, the pool, local parks or the Plaza with your kids. If they are busy exploring our great city, they won’t even miss their screens.
Do a project
Come up with a family project for the day to keep the kids screen-free. This could be a big chore like cleaning up the backyard or something fun like an art project or science experiments.
Play a game
Declare a family game day and choose a few board games to play together. You also could try an outdoor game like hopscotch, foursquare or kickball, or break into teams and have a water balloon fight.
Filling our time with screens comes easily because they are enjoyable and take little effort. However, a little bit of planning for some other activities to distract us from our phones and tablets pays off. You’ll create great memories your kids will remember far longer than the video games they’ve played.
Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.