Does your child walk with a hunch, only nod when you ask questions, spend every most of their handheld device? If so your child might be turning into a device zombie.
How do you get your child back? The answer: Cut back on screen time! I know it's difficult to keep track of just how much time your child is spending on their devices. If you have to question their usage then most likely using it too much.
If you're stuck on ways to motivate your child to unplug from the internet, don't worry I've got you covered :)
WAYS TO CUT BACK YOUR CHILD'S SCREEN TIME:
MAKE THEM EARN IT
Use screen time as a reward. Assign your child task to complete each day, in turn, they earn screen time minutes.
Ideas: Assign various chores around the house, reading or any type of learning time.
Use screen time as a reward. Assign your child task to complete each day, in turn, they earn screen time minutes.
Ideas: Assign various chores around the house, reading or any type of learning time.
Set a minute number to each task and offer them their minute rewards each day. Example: 30 minutes for a clean room, 15 minutes for loading the dishwasher, and 30 minutes sweeping the floors and straightening up the house.
CONTROL THEIR DEVICES
To control multiple devices check out the NEW Circle with Disney It has Parental Controls, Filters, and works for multiple devices on your wireless network. It's a genius way to keep your child off of any sites that are not meant for kids, add time limits for each category: YouTube, Games, Internet, Netflix and so on.
KEEPING YOUR KIDS BUSY
Let them see the world outside of their screen. It can be tiring and expensive to come up with ideas to keep them entertained. Here are some free or cheap things you can do.
1. Go for a walk
Fresh air and exercise is a perfect way to start your child's day away from their screens.
2. Nature Photo Fun
Let your child use their device for something fun outdoors. Visit a park, nature center, or farm. Have the kids them take plenty of photos. When summer ends you could make a photo book of their adventures.
3. Play Games
Board and card games are a fun way to keep your child engaged and having fun. We love junior monopoly and it helps with counting.
Get a few games and have your child play a couple times a week.
4. Play Outside
Aim for an hour each day of outdoor activity. The options are endless they can ride bikes, play on a playground, play tag, hula hoop, toss a ball, draw with chalk, etc. If it's a really hot day have them get out early in the morning or right after dinner.
5. Get out and Learn
Visit a Museum: Art, History, Science or go to a Zoo. Spend the day together learning and having fun.
6. Go to the library
Most libraries have programs for kids. While you're there let them pick out a few books.
7. Arts and Craft Time
Visit a local craft store or purchase some crafts online. Or get out paper and crayons, markers, paint and let your child's imagination run wild.
You could also visit a store that offers Arts and Craft time: Michael's, JoAnn's, and AC Moore.
8. Just Play!
Let your child just play. If they're stuck on ideas then you can help by suggesting things like:
Suggest a theme and have them build with Lincoln Logs or Lego's, play a game of hide-and-seek, make a fort, play with flashlights in the dark.
Let them have free time to explore their toys and their house beyond their screens.
9. Family Time
Try to spend at least one night a week doing something as a family.
Ideas: Movie Night, Game Night, Living room camping (or if you're more adventurous backyard camping), S'mores and stories by the fire, Sports, Baking Cookies, Karaoke etc.
Suggestions for Board Games, Books, and Crafts to keep the kids busy!*Fit and Fab Mom Life is an affiliate of Amazon. When you use a link from our page it costs you NO additional money. It does help support this blog. We receive a small commission (pennies on each order). Thanks for your support. With your help, we can keep bringing content like this to you.
