One question that is very common to all parents, is how to keep your child away from the screen. It is true that if your child is spending too much time on the screen then you feel free. But on the other hand, we also know that how harmful it is for kids. Not only on the eye but watching too much screen can affect their growth both physically and mentally. Kids getting too much dependent on the screen and keeping them stay away from the screen is not easy. You must have noticed either in your house or in your neighborhood that kids are not interested in physical games. If there is a group of kids then all of them are busy with their gadgets. In spite of enjoying real company, they are enjoying virtual company. I am sharing a few tips with the help of which you can limit your kid’s screen time. According to an international journal of Behaviour Nutrition and Physical activity. High levels of screen time in early childhood appear to negatively impact academic and social outcomes in the long term.
1.Set an example for your kids.
We always heard and also notice that kids try to copy their parents at an early age. They will do whatever you are doing. If you are spending most of the time on mobile then what else you can expect from your kids. They always think that if their parents are doing then, they can also do the same. If you wish that your kid should limit their screen time, then first you have to improve your habit. If you are always on your phone then how can you expect your child to not spend time on screen.
2.Keep yourself update.
Just trying to limit time for your kid’s screen is not sufficient. You have to keep yourself up-to-date with the technologies. If you don’t know the pros and cons of using the internet, how you will teach your kids the same. Nowadays there are many games on the internet that comes with a usage warning. You must make your kids aware of that. You can make your kids watch content that is suitable for their ages.
3.No screen areas in house.
Establish some areas in the house in which screen time is strictly not allowed.No matter it is games. mobile, tv, or any kind of video. You have to set rules not only for kids, rather for all the family member.No one can use their gadgets in that particular area. It can be your kitchen or dining area. You can reserve these areas for family time and enjoy the real conversation.
4.Explain ‘WHY’ behind your act.
Just saying no to your kids is not going to help you in any way. This will only make them more stubborn. You must have to make them understand that why you are getting screen time, or why you are not allowing them to watch any content or game. If you make them understand that a particular game or video is not appropriate according to their age. They are more likely to understand. And also involve all the family members in this conversation and make them realize that the rules are for everyone not for only them.
5.Parental control.
Nowadays we see that kids start getting their personal phones at a very early age. Not only this by seeing their parents they also keep their phone locked. It is very important for all the parents to be aware of the password of your kids mobile.Beacuse they are not so much aware of the thing that what is good or what is bad for them.Sometims they download some restricted games or apps that can harmful for them.So parents should always have an eyes on their kids phone and if you find anything that should not be in yoru kids mobile,then delete it and also make your kids understand that why you are deleting it so that they will not download it again.
6.Encourage physical play.
Remember taht time when we were kids and there were no mobiles and also not so much trends of televisions. Then evening time is always play time. We met our friends in the evening and enjoy all kinds of physical games. But kids nowadays don’t want to step out. They have made that small gadget their whole world. You must have to encourage them to play outside with friends. If you are living in an area where your kid is not having any friends, then you can also spare some time from your routine and play with your kids. It will benefit you in two ways, your bonding gets strong with your kid, and also he will be away from the screen even for some time.
I know, keeping our kids away from the screen is not so easy, but at least we can try our bit. If we set few rules in our house and force everyone to follow them, then gradually your kid will start following them too. Never allow your kid to use mobiles in their bedroom. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to have a watch, and also your kid’s screen time increases.
