This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
I totally understand that screen time is practically unavoidable nowadays. My daughter Gabby was given an old iphone at 5 years old (not by me) and one year later I totally regret accepting that gift.
We experienced sassiness (more than usual) and kicking and screaming when it was time to get off of YouTube. And that’s when I knew we had to do something drastic. I recently confiscated the phone (can’t even believe my kid has one) and I don’t plan on giving it back any time soon.
There was yelling.
There was crying.
There were moments I wanted to just give the phone back. (I didn’t.)
And after a few days I noticed something…her creativity was coming back!
5 Ways to Limit Screen Time for Kids
Tip # 1) Don’t offer access to phones, electronic games and TV 100% of the time. This seems like a no brainer but it does get trickier as the kids get older and learn how to use TVs and reach phones. We use a charging base in the kitchen. None of the kids are allowed to have cellphones in the bedroom. We also have a rule – no TV on or phones during school mornings (those mornings are stressful enough!)
Tip # 2) Be realistic. We are not a screen free family. We are not trying to be. And I refuse to stress myself out or make myself feel guilty about the screen time I do let my kids have. I am realistic and I know we will have screen time. Setting parameters on the screen time is more realistic than saying NO SCREEN TIME. Because to be completely honest – I need the 6 year old to have some screen time, otherwise I’d never get things done.
Tip #3) Create a craft bin. This doesn’t have to be perfect, just throw things you can craft with into a box or bin. We have yarn, construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, pipe cleaners, crayons, markers in the bin. I’ll also add toilet paper rolls and other things that can be recycled into crafts or creations.
Tip #4) Get outside! Kids have tons of energy, playing outdoors will help channel some of that energy in a healthy way. Even during winter you can take a quick walk or even drive around your neighborhood. The simple act of tuning into nature (even through the car window) can help kids keep their minds off of electronics. Make a game out of noticing things outside or play Ispy.
Tip #5) Keep puzzles and games available and in reach. The Little Likes Kids puzzles, memory game and card games have been so helpful with keeping our little one occupied and having fun. No screen time needed!
Little Likes Kids™ was founded by a mom with the understanding that her son and all of the kids in his wonderfully diverse gaggle of friends need to see toys with experiences that reflect their daily lives. This is how kids see humanity in themselves and in each other. To be sure, in addition to the ordinary nesting that goes on with motherhood, black mothers are not only furiously nesting, we are also furiously humanizing. We know the dangers, big and small, of society not seeing our babies as fully human. Bringing high-quality multicultural toys to a mass-market provides parents and caregivers with important resources to help children learn and grow developmentally and thrive in a changing world. All parents want their kids to see themselves in the world and to be happy and successful members of an increasingly diverse generation.
Gabby and I received puzzles, memory games and card games that showcase fun childhood themes and tons of diversity!
The puzzles kept Gabriella occupied for quite a while and the Christmas scene was the first puzzle she ever completed. We’re going to keep using our Little Likes Kids puzzles and games to continue focusing more on fun and creativity instead of screen time and electronics.
Little Likes Kids toys and games are high-quality products, reasonably priced and best of all showcase a ton of diversity. I love that when we play we see people that look just like us and our friends!
Little Likes Kids toys we played with:
Splash Park Jumbo Puzzle
Santa’s Helpers Jumbo Puzzle (our favorite!)
Memory Game Camping Outdoors
Memory Game Musical Crossroads
Go Fish Matching Card Game featuring Sports
Children’s Advent Sticker Calendar
Chicken and Waffle Two Sided Placemat
I loved the Little Likes Kids toy story so much I had to share:
You can find all of these toys on Little Likes Kids website, Little Likes Kids Etsy or on Amazon
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My boys both have a kindle fire tablet and have for years. We specifically picked those for them because they have great parental restrictions. We set what time they turn on and off for the day and can do a limit by number of minutes or hours. We also don’t allow electronics in the morning before school.
These are really helpful tips… sadly my daughter is a teenager so it’s a bit more difficult to limit her screen time now!
Such helpful tips. I feel like we can def get into a trap of screen time even without meaning to!
For us having several sensory and craft bins really helps. When they ask for tv I bring out a new bin and they’re happy!
I don’t have kids of my own but I have notice that most kids these days spend a lot of time with their gadget. The tips you shared here will benefit a lot of parents out there.
I try to get my daughter out and about and doing things. That does help for sure. But I can’t take the phone away, unfortunately.
David Elliott recently posted…Dating 911! The First Date Dilemma!
I don’t have kids but whenever I’m with my nieces and nephews the phone is away and my time is with them doing things and not staring at a screen. It’s important time to me.
So many great tips!!! It’s tough once winter hits to limit screen time. It’s so easy when we can just send the kiddos outside
That are really nice tips. I am going to gift my niece a multicultural doll to decrease screen time and to teach her diversity.
james recently posted…How Does Playing With Dolls Affect Your Child’s Development.