In today’s screen-dominated world, many parents find themselves worrying about how much time their children spend glued to their devices. As tech expert Alex Morgan points out, we must accept that screens are an integral part of modern life. He writes, “Worrying about screens in the same way we worried about agriculture or indoor plumbing is pointless; it’s a transition that’s already occurred.”
While it’s hard to argue with that perspective—after all, I often find myself checking my phone for everything from a friend’s address to the title of a book I enjoyed—the question remains: how much screen time is reasonable? The last thing I want is for my kids to turn into sedentary couch potatoes. This concern has led me to consider automated tools like Amazon’s FreeTime parental controls. These tools allow parents to set specific limits on screen time, determining how many hours kids can spend on educational vs. entertaining apps. It seems easier to let technology do the work rather than argue with my child about how many episodes of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” is too many.
However, Morgan argues that passing this responsibility to devices is a disservice to our parenting. Just as we don’t let machines dictate how much junk food our kids can have, we shouldn’t let them regulate screen time. Instead, we should actively engage in teaching our children about healthy limits. This process might feel like nagging, but it’s an essential part of parenting.
As kids typically struggle to self-regulate, we have to play a role in developing that inner voice that reminds them of their limits. This is where the concept of “nagging” becomes valuable: it’s not merely a nuisance but a critical form of guidance. When I reflect on my upbringing, I still hear my mother’s voice questioning how many servings of vegetables I’ve eaten today, while my partner remembers his parents nudging him about attending church. These reminders help shape our values, and as Morgan puts it, “When you tell your children to take a break from their video games, you are not just trying to get them to stop; you’re helping them internalize those important messages.”
So, when I feel that familiar urge to check the time on my kids’ iPad usage, I’ll instead be asking them if they’ve spent time outside, enjoyed some sunlight, or picked up a book. This isn’t nagging; it’s about fostering that inner voice they will carry with them into adulthood—like a gentle notification reminding them to balance their screen time with life’s other joys.
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In summary, while nagging can feel like a chore, it’s a vital tool in helping kids develop self-regulation and values that will serve them throughout their lives.
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