“Hey, take a look at this,” I tell my daughter as I settle her down with a bowl of Cheez-Its and some Peppa Pig on the tablet. “I need to whip up dinner.”
Screen time is a hot-button issue for many parents, but let’s face it—not all screen time is created equal. I openly embrace the role that screens play in our daily lives, and I’m not losing sleep over my kids turning into social recluses because of it.
Every child is unique, and so are their tastes in screen time. As parents, it’s our responsibility to determine what’s suitable and for how long. A little common sense goes a long way here. If a Peppa Pig episode gives me the chance to prepare a nutritious dinner, I’m all in.
For my little ones, aged 3 and 6, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day for kids under 6 and two hours for older children—educational activities like reading or research don’t count in that total. I do my best to adhere to these guidelines, but let’s be honest—sometimes an extra episode of Daniel Tiger just happens.
Even when screens are used for entertainment, they can offer valuable benefits. For instance, I utilize screen time to teach my kids about emotional intelligence. If you’re not familiar, emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing your own feelings while also being empathetic towards others. This skill can come in handy on the playground and in all areas of life.
Every Saturday is family movie night at our house, complete with chocolate milk and popcorn. We cozy up in bed and unwind like we’re back in college. Given their ages, Disney flicks are their go-to. One night, while watching Frozen, my son asked, “Mommy, why is Elsa so upset?”
This innocent question sparked a family discussion, where we explored our emotions and how our actions affect others. It’s fascinating how complex emotions can be when you’re trying to explain them to a 6-year-old. (Seriously, Disney characters have layers.)
Maybe it’s because Elsa is a princess or because kids love new knowledge, but our chat continued well into the next day and even into our next movie night. Soon, we established a routine of discussing what happened in the movie and why characters made certain emotionally-driven decisions.
Could I impart the same lessons through storytime? Absolutely! But the point is, my kids are going to watch movies anyway, so I might as well seize the opportunity to connect with them.
In a world overflowing with technology, screens will likely remain a staple of our lives. Finding a balance that incorporates screens without letting them take control is a challenge many parents face. It’s our duty to guide our kids in using screens responsibly, even if it feels overwhelming at times.
If your teenager is a gaming enthusiast, you can still engage with them. Ask about their favorite games, characters, or plots. Use it as a launching pad for deeper conversations. You might be surprised by what you discover or the lessons you can share.
In the end, screen time isn’t all doom and gloom. Stay mindful of what your children are watching and regulate it according to your standards. Engage with them whenever possible. Even without a specific lesson, there’s always value in conversing and sharing in their interests.
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Summary
While screen time garners mixed feelings among parents, it can offer valuable learning experiences and opportunities for connection. By understanding our children’s screen habits and engaging them in conversations about what they watch, we can foster emotional intelligence and maintain a healthy balance in their media consumption.