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It’s a norm for kids these days to laze around and spend hours in front of the screens. This activity is not healthy for kids or even adults.
Thanks to the affordable Spectrum TV packages and the like, it is very convenient for households to subscribe to the services of these cable service providers. Although it is not a healthy habit for adults as well, the kids are a greater risk to suffer. Because of the habits that they develop at a young age, stay with them forever.
Here are ways to reduce your kids’ screen time.
Be a Role Model
It’s important for parents to model to their kids the healthy use of electronics. Using a Disney Plus guide or any television show guide in choosing appropriate shows to watch with the kids is a great idea. However, before binge-watching, remember that your kids will follow what you’re doing and not what you’re telling them. Thus, it’s best to be mindful of your own screen time.
Avoid keeping your television on all the time for the sake of background noise. Letting your kids see that you’re scrolling through your phone the whole day is also not a good way to model good screen behavior.
No Personal Cellphones or Tablets
The worst that you can do to your kid is providing him with his own cellphone or tablet. Doing so will entitle him to use these gadgets whenever he wants. He will also be able to use it for prolonged periods of time because the cellphone or the tablet will then be his personal belonging. Therefore, avoid giving such gadgets to your little ones at an early age.
Tech-Free Family Time
You should add tech-free time to your family time every day. And make it a routine to not just ask your kids but put your own smartphones away as well when it is the family time slot. Because kids follow their elders. So, you need to set a good example for them. In that time, discuss interesting topics with your kids so that they do not find family time boring.
They Should Know Their Limits
The kids should know their limits when it comes to the screen time that they are allowed every day. You should not shy away or feel awkward when doing so. Because the kids should know that there is a limit to their surfing on the Spectrum Internet plans and using all these gadgets.
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Play Games
The kids will not find it an attractive idea to ditch the gadgets unless you spend time with them playing. You should do with them what they enjoy doing the most. In this way, they will feel attracted to the idea of letting go of the screens that are harmful to them. Search online for various fun games that you can play with your kids.
More Involvement
You, as a parent, should get involved in your kids’ lives. Take interest in what they do. You should be aware of what your kids loathe and what do they enjoy doing. Ask them about their day at school, have a look at their homework and guide them through the difficulties that they face. The kids should know that there are things beyond watching TV or surfing the Internet.
Time to Talk
Your kids should be aware of the harmful effects of extended exposure to these screens. And they won’t know or look into the matter unless you talk to them. Carry out your own research and talk to your kids based on facts. They should know that you are speaking based on facts.
Passcode for Smart Devices
You should set a passcode for smart devices. In this way, your little ones will always have to ask you before logging in to any device. This will limit their screen time further. As you would not log in if you know that your kids have surfed the Internet enough for that day.
Real vs. the E- World
When it comes to reading books, e-books are a norm these days. So, even if your kids are not surfing the Internet, they may be reading a book. This too increases the screen time. You should, therefore, encourage your kids to read the real books instead of opting for the e-books.
Download a Tracking App
You can even opt to download a tracking app that allows you to keep a check on your kids’ screen time. The tracking apps also allow you to keep a check on what your kids are viewing on the Internet and what not. Because let’s face it, the Internet is a dangerous place and you should always be aware of what your kids are up to.
No Screen Media in Bedroom
You should not allow screen media in your child’s bedroom. Because if they have access to it in the bedroom, you will not be able to control the time that they spend viewing the screens.
Or what you can do as an alternative is to limit the Spectrum Phone services or the like that you have subscribed to. For example, if you are using the Internet service, do not subscribe to the cable service.
Be Tech Savvy
It’s not surprising to see kids being more knowledgeable in electronics than their parents. Because of this, parents must stay updated on the latest games, apps, trends, and social media platforms. For example, you can’t tell your child about social media risks if you don’t understand these dangers yourself. Similarly, it may be difficult to prevent your kids from using certain types of media if you don’t know how these are rated.
Final Thoughts
Although allowing your child to watch TV or use a smartphone may keep them busy, you want to avoid giving them too much screen time. However, limiting your kid’s TV and phone time may be challenging in today’s world. Hopefully, the tips discussed here will help you provide your kids a reasonable screen time.
