Have you ever considered how many electronic devices your family actually owns? Every TV now comes with preprogrammed streaming apps, like YouTube for Kids, Netflix, Disney+, and so many more. Kids today often look forward to getting their first smartphone as much as we once looked forward to getting our first car.
Many families now spend more time looking at screens than enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s a phone, tablet, computers at work, or time spent watching movies or playing video games, screens are everywhere we go. There is no denying that screens and screen time are here to stay. For parents with children in preschool in Potomac, MD, creating a healthy balance between screen time and real-life activities is key.
Everybody has different ideas about how much time kids should spend in front of a screen. Even with these other ideas, most parents agree that younger kids should be closely supervised when using screens. Children ages 0 to 8 should spend no more than two hours a day on screens.
Between the ages of 9 and 12, screen time will be a little more than for younger kids, but not by much. Instead of two hours per day, some parents might feel that their 9-year-old is ready for three hours a day. Others may feel like that is too much. Ultimately, it’s up to you as parents to decide how much time your child spends in front of a screen.
Kids now spend anywhere from six to eight hours a day in front of a screen. Screens are a great way to keep kids occupied when you need a quick break, but they shouldn’t be the only thing parents use to entertain their kids. These tips will help your child set boundaries and avoid the challenges of excessive screen time.
Setting limits on screen time is the first thing that needs to be done. Talk to your kids about how much time they should spend on screens and why being outside is important. Setting limits on screens sounds simple enough, but some kids have a harder time adjusting than others.
When you start setting limits, start off small, like cutting down on computer time by an hour, and work your way up. Because kids have different interests as they get older, talk to them about why you want to limit their screen time and show them new things to do at the park or playground.
Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to get outside with your kids, especially after a long day when all you want is a moment to relax. Even on those hard days, your kids need that time with you and they need to have your full attention. When you put your phone down and take your kids outside, you really boost the quality time you spend together.
If you let your kids keep TVs, tablets, or computers in their rooms, they tend to spend more time in their room instead of with their friends or family. This can make it hard to keep an eye on their screen time and may lead to habits like avoiding family time or outdoor play.
Using screens in their rooms can also make it hard for them to sleep. If you can help it, don’t leave electronics in their rooms. That way, they won’t be tempted to spend their free time alone.
Both at home and at preschool in North Potomac, MD, adults are supposed to set a good example for kids to follow. This isn’t limited to just behavior; it also applies to screen time. If kids see you frequently scrolling through social media, they may not understand why they should limit their own screen time.
If you cut back on your screen time and take your kids to the park, you all get to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and some good exercise together. Plus, you get to hang out more with your kids and really soak in those moments.
If your kids really don’t like being outside and would rather use screens when they have free time, take them outside and show them how much fun it is. There are many ways to get your kids to enjoy the outdoors. You can walk with them in the park, play catch with them in the field, or let them explore and climb on a playground.
Come up with fun things to do outside with your kids so that you can spend at least two hours a day outside. Soon, they’ll look forward to visiting the neighborhood playground to swing, climb, and explore.
When cutting screen time, many parents might give their kids a heads-up by telling them they have 10 minutes left before turning off their devices. f countdown warnings don’t work for your family, you can use programs, apps, or settings on your devices to automatically turn off the device after a set time.
Screens are not going anywhere. As parents, we must teach our kids how to better manage their screen time. To build healthy habits, kids need to learn that screens shouldn’t always come first. Screen time must be properly balanced with other activities, including family time. Incorporating these tips into your family’s routine can lead to healthier screen habits for everyone.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
