I’ve got no issues with my kids using technology—in theory. Sometimes you just need a breather. A peaceful car ride, for example. Handing over the iPad or phone can buy you those precious 20 minutes you need to use the bathroom, make a quick call, take a power nap, or pour yourself a drink—let’s be real, maybe even two drinks to avoid having to mix another later. I often wonder how parents managed before these gadgets became our go-to distraction.
Let’s face it: avoiding screens is nearly impossible these days. They’re everywhere—most of us have a couple of phones, a computer, maybe even a tablet or a smartwatch. Our friends have them, and depending on your kids’ ages and your social circle, so do their friends. Even elementary schools are incorporating this tech into lessons. It’s just part of life now, and it’s only going to become more prevalent.
The real concern lies in what they’re doing with that screen time and what else they’re missing out on. My older child is only 6, so thankfully, the more alarming issues—like inappropriate content or impulsive online shopping—aren’t on our radar yet. My partner and I used to be pretty diligent about setting boundaries, like allowing just one show before dinner or 20 minutes of a game in the morning.
I should clarify—we were diligent. Ever since our second child made her debut in January, we’ve found ourselves too drained to consistently enforce those limits. Sometimes it feels easier to let our oldest entertain himself for an hour just so we can catch a quick nap or tend to the baby. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that he’s spending too much time in front of a screen.
Like any parent, I worry about the impact of excessive screen time. It’s probably a mix of paranoia and nostalgia for a time before technology was so pervasive. Even though we’re glued to our phones ourselves (guilty!), it’s unsettling to see my 6-year-old getting completely absorbed in an iPad game, even if he also plays outside and maintains a balanced life. It can easily spiral into an obsession, and that’s the part that really worries me.
I notice a shift in my child’s demeanor when he spends too much time on my partner’s phone or our tablet. Despite repeated warnings and established time limits, getting him to put the device down can feel like an uphill battle. He often becomes so engrossed that he doesn’t even hear me when I say time’s up, and when he finally realizes it’s over, he goes through those classic stages of grief. It’s a sight to behold.
This reaction is a clear sign that we’re not effectively managing screen time. Our focus has understandably shifted with the arrival of the baby, and we’ve allowed certain things to slide for the sake of our sanity. But those screens have really got their grip on him. While I’m sure it’s not much different from how television captivated us as kids, it’s still concerning. My partner and I want to take action.
That means we need to get back to enforcing limits more consistently, not tolerating any tantrums when it’s time to stop, and ensuring he’s engaging in other activities—like playing outside, building with Legos, or using his creativity instead of just letting the screen dictate his imagination. We also need to encourage him and his friends to engage in more interactive play rather than just clustering around a screen to watch each other play.
Honestly, it sounds like a lot of work. Maybe I should just get him one of those fancy Oculus Rift headsets and call it a day. I’m exhausted.
In our parenting journey, it’s important to find balance, not only for our children but also for ourselves. For more insights on family planning and parenting, check out our post on this link. Additionally, if you’re on a fertility journey, consider visiting this authority site for valuable information. Also, for expert resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Hopkins Medicine provides excellent guidance.
Summary
Parenting is a juggling act, especially when it comes to managing screen time with multiple children. As families navigate the challenges of technology in daily life, it’s crucial to establish boundaries while ensuring kids engage in various activities. Finding that balance is key to fostering a healthy environment.