I have no issues with my kids engaging with technology—not in theory, at least. Every parent knows there are moments when you simply need a breather. Whether it’s a quiet car ride or a few precious minutes to yourself, giving your child a tablet or phone can buy you that time—time to make a quick call, enjoy a power nap, or pour yourself a drink (or two, because let’s be honest, you’ll probably want a refill later). The convenience of technology is something I can’t fathom living without as a parent.
The reality is, avoiding screens altogether is nearly impossible. Our lives are intertwined with devices; we all have smartphones, computers, and tablets, not to mention the gadgets our friends own. In fact, many schools are incorporating technology into their classrooms. It’s part of life now, and it’s only going to become more prevalent.
The real concern lies in how our children use their screen time and what other activities they might be missing out on. My eldest is just 6, so thankfully, the more troubling aspects—like online shopping or inappropriate content—aren’t on our radar yet. My partner and I have generally been diligent about managing screen time, whether it’s allowing one show before dinner or a brief gaming session in the morning.
Well, I should say we used to be diligent. Since the arrival of our second child in January, our resolve has waned. Now, if letting our oldest entertain himself with a screen for an hour means we can catch some sleep or give the baby a bath, we often take that route. That said, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt when I see him gravitating toward screens more than is ideal.
Like many parents, I worry about the long-term effects of excessive screen time. This concern is probably a mix of paranoia and a hint of “back in my day” nostalgia, since we didn’t grow up with the same level of access to screens. Even though we all have our own screen habits (guilty as charged!), it can be alarming to witness a young child becoming fixated on a game, regardless of how well-rounded he might be in other areas. The potential for addiction is a genuine fear.
I’ve noticed a distinct change in my son’s demeanor when he spends too much time on a device. Despite my warnings and established limits, transitioning him away from the game often feels like a battle. He can become so absorbed that he doesn’t even hear me when I say it’s time to stop. When he finally realizes his time is up, he goes through what seems like the five stages of grief. It’s quite a spectacle.
This reaction tells me we haven’t been as effective in enforcing limits as we should be. With a newborn in the mix, we’ve allowed certain things to slide for the sake of maintaining our sanity and catching some sleep. After all, parents are human too! But I can see that screens are luring him in. I know it’s not much different from how television captivated us as kids, yet it still raises alarms for my partner and me. We need to regain control.
This means we must recommit to monitoring his screen usage, being firm when time is up, and ensuring he’s engaging in other activities like playing outside, building with Legos, or using his imagination instead of relying solely on digital entertainment. We should also encourage him and his friends to play together without resorting to just huddling around a screen, whether it’s Minecraft or another game.
Honestly, that’s a lot of responsibility. Sometimes, I think about just buying him one of those immersive virtual reality headsets and calling it a day. Parenting is exhausting!
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Summary
Navigating screen time limits becomes increasingly challenging after welcoming a second child. While technology is an integral part of modern parenting, it’s essential to find a balance that promotes healthy habits and ensures children engage in diverse activities beyond screens.
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