Stop focusing on time
With screen time, time is often not as important as we think
❓I frequently get questions like: “How much screen time should my 7 year old have?” or “What games should my 5 year old play so she doesn’t get too hyper?”
😩My typical response is “the right amount/app is an amount or type that works for everyone in your family” But that is very abstract.
⏰But when we over-prioritize ANY one factor when it comes to screens (or other parts of parenting) then we may miss the other factors at play
⚖️Instead of trying to find the “best” type fo content, or minimizing the time, focus on balancing the screen time equation
🧠Content that is more demanding may result in screen time that’s harder to end, or a dysregulated kid. Notice that “demanding” doesn’t mean fast paced. This could mean difficult homework, playing a multiplayer game where people are counting on them, engrossing content that stimulates their brain and doesn’t allow them to take breaks.
⌛The time spent on screens is another factor. The more time spent on screen time, the greater the potential impact.
🤔And the other (incredibly important) factor is your capacity. The more demanding screen time is, the more capacity is needed from a caregiver to handle that impact. If we are able to be present, notice changes in our child’s mood, intervene, or maybe be nearby, then we can balance out more demanding screen time.
🧑🍳If we have little capacity because we’ve had a hard day, we’re ill, we’re working, etc. then the impact of screen time needs to balance our capacity.
🫠”But Ash this is way more complicated than just sticking to a certain amount of screen time.” It is more nuanced, it is not as simple, but it also recognizes that we all have needs, capacity, and wants when it comes to leisure and screens. Some days we have more capacity and we can be more present, other times we have less and we need screen time to be easy to manage. By considering these variables we are recognizing that our needs, and the effects of these things on our kids, are all criteria worth considering.
And sometimes, it depends on the KIND of screen time. My son loves learn-to-draw (or fold) videos. His pictures and origami pieces, if following the video, are AMAZING for a 6 ½ year old. We’re talking very close to the adult instructing.