Kids are getting hooked on screens at increasingly younger ages, and the pandemic drove many schools to encourage the embracement of screen time for school work - after all, there was little else they could do to keep their students learning.
While of course, screen time can be an opportunity for education - and giving you a much-needed break - you can have too much of a good thing!
In fact, research indicates that as many as 41% of parents struggle to control their children's screen time.
If you're looking to reduce your children's screen time in a way that avoids the temper tantrums, then here are five things you can do to get them to switch off the screen.
Visit Your Local Library
Paying regular visits to your local library is a great way to get your kids into reading. There's a story for everyone, and with a library they can find their favourite genre without breaking your bank account.
Set them up with their own library card so they can borrow as many books as they like, as well as feeling a sense of responsibility for checking out and caring for these books.
Take Up a Family Sport
Getting your kids interested in sport isn't always the easiest thing to do, but if you can make it a family activity, then it can encourage them to participate and make for an excellent bonding activity.
Whether you kick a football around your garden, or make regular visits to your local tennis club, these family activities are fantastic for keeping you all fit and healthy.
Encourage Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is essential for the wellbeing of our children, it encourages independence and gets them out and about in the fresh air.
From trampolines and playhouses, to a foldable scooter if you are short of space, the possibilities for keeping your little ones entertained in your garden are endless.
By making outdoor play seem more fun than their screens, you'll have your kids eager to get outside.
Photo by Fabian Centeno on Unsplash
Embark of Adventures
Taking regular day trips and leaving the screens behind is a great way to limit screen time but avoid the tantrums.
It can be hard to plan where to go, so pay a visit to the National Trust website for ideas on your next visit to a park or historical site; you'll be amazed how much you and your kids can learn in a day.
Set a Good Example
Leading by example is the first step to reducing our kids' screen time.
We can often be just as guilty of the dreaded screen addiction; just think of how much time you waste on apps such as TikTok?
Reduce your own screen time so that your little ones don't see you constantly glued to your phone!
Do you have tips for cutting back your children's screen time? Share them with us in the comments below! You might even find this free printable screen time chart useful.
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