If you have children, chances are they're spending more time online or in front of a screen than they have previously. Furthermore, presently, with numerous schools beginning the year either partially or completely virtual, you might be worried about balancing screen time with different activities. As a parent, it's difficult to tell when to take a stand.
Although it’s important to maintain some limits on media use, it's also reasonable to expect that your children's screen time will increase while the pandemic proceeds — and while their options for other activities, similar to break and team activities, are minimal. You might not have a lot of command over that reality.
But what you can do is help your kids make the most of the time they’re in front of a screen. And you can also help them find creative ways to fit in other activities.
Begin With A Family Media Plan
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents create a family media plan and offers a template to help you get started. Developing a plan can help you think about how your family’s media use fits with other daily activities, such as sleeping, exercise and family time. And taking a realistic look at how your family spends screen time can help you set limits.
Use the AAP tool to calculate every family screen time, come up with a plan and then implement. You can even print it out and hang it in a prominent spot in your home for everybody to follow. As your family's needs change, or as your general surroundings transforms, you can return and make updates.
Take Time For Recess
Set up a day by day plan that includes regular breaks from screens, similar to a family “recess.” Use this time to get up and stretch, play or walk around the house, yard or neighborhood. Let your relative’s alternate choosing an activity.
As indicated by the AAP, you might need to plan a 10-minute break after like clockwork or so of class for younger children. Older children and teens can usually go longer before needing a break — maybe focus on a break between classes or subjects. Furthermore, remember to delay the workday to eat together, without screens.
Fit In Longer Workouts
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), kids ages 6 and older need at least one hour of exercise daily, and those younger than age 6 should be active throughout the day. Attempt to build at least an hour of activity [VA1] into your child’s timetable every day. Head outside for a walk, bike ride or ball game. Just be sure to follow social distancing rules.
Set Screen-Free Zones And Curfews
The APA suggests scheduling time away from your screens every day for other significant exercises, for example, sleep, family time and exercise. For instance, keep phones out of rooms to charge for the evening, shut down all media use by a certain time each night, and ban devices during meals and other family activities.
Help Your Child Transition Off The Screen
When it’s time for your child to turn off the screen, help them transition to a new activity. For example, if your young kid is watching a screen on TV, encourage them to act out the storyline with their toys instead. Setting a clock or giving verbal admonitions before screen time finishes can also help ease the transition.
Set A Good Example
Even if you're working at home, curb your own screen use during family time, dinner times and before bed, and find ways to connect with your child. Read a book together, take a walk or simply talk. Your kid will follow your lead.
Stay Informed About Coronavirus
Information about COVID-19 is changing often. To ensure you're taking the steps necessary to keep your family safe, check in with your doctor and pediatrician and follow recommendations from trusted sources, for example, the CDCand state health authorities.
You can also locate a wide range of information, about the Personal health and Hygiene at our COVID research hub..
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