You love your kids, and you want what's best for them. But in today's technology-driven world, it can be hard to find the right balance between crafts and screen time.
On the one hand, you don't want your kids to be glued to a screen all day. But on the other hand, you don't want them to miss out on the benefits of technology and all the amazing things it has to offer.
So how do you find the perfect balance?
Here are 12 tips:
1. Set limits on screen time.
This is probably the most important tip. It's important to set limits on screen time so that your kids don't get too much exposure to blue light or spend too much time sitting in one spot. The first step is to figure out how much screen time is appropriate for your child's age.
2. Get them involved in crafts.
Crafts are a great way to get your kids away from screens and into something productive. It's also a great way to bond with them and help them express their creativity. Examples of crafts include painting, drawing, sculpting, knitting, and crocheting.
3. Find screen-free activities they enjoy.
There are plenty of screen-free activities that your kids will love, such as playing outside, reading books, or doing puzzles. If you can find activities that they enjoy, they'll be less likely to want to spend all their time on screens. Fresh air and physical activity are important for kids' overall health and development.
4. Use screens for learning.
If you allow your kids to use screens, ensure it's for educational purposes. There are tons of great educational apps and websites that can help your kids learn new things. A great way to find these is to search for "educational apps for kids" or "educational websites for kids." Make sure your machine is performing optimally, if you’re unsure get more knowledge to have them learn on a decent piece of hardware.
5. Be a good role model.
If you want your kids to balance their time between screens and crafts, you need to be a good role model yourself. Limit your own screen time and make sure you're spending plenty of time doing other activities as well. Remember, they copy your behaviour, so if you're always on your phone, they'll think it's okay for them to be too.
6. Encourage them to take breaks.
If your kids are working on a project or playing a game, encourage them to take breaks every so often. This will help reduce eye strain and give their brains a chance to rest. There is a 20 / 20 rule for this, for every 20 minutes of screen time, take a break for 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away.
7. Set aside screen-free time each day.
It's important to have some screen-free time each day, whether it's for an hour after dinner or all day on Sundays. This will help your kids disconnect from technology and enjoy other activities. The benefit of having this scheduled time is that it will be easier for them to stick to it.
8. Get them outside.
Fresh air is always good for kids (and adults!). Make sure your kids are getting plenty of time outside each day to run around and explore. Being in the sun releases vitamin D, which is great for their bones and overall health.
9. Keep screens out of the bedroom.
Screens should not be in the bedroom, as they can interfere with sleep. If your kids need a screen for homework or reading, make sure it's in a common area where you can monitor their use.
10. Talk to them about balance.
It's important to talk to your kids about finding balance in their lives. Explain why it's important to have both screen time and craft time and help them find ways to achieve both.
11. Do a trade-off
Imagine a scenario where your kids complete certain real-world tasks and crafts to 'unlock' some screen time. For example, they could earn 30 minutes of game time for every hour they spend outside.
12. Use apps to help.
There are some great apps that can help you manage your kids' screen time, such as Screen Time Parental Control and OurPact. These apps can help you set limits, block certain apps, and monitor your kids' usage.
There you have it
Finding a balance between crafts and screen time can be a challenge, but it's important to find a way that works for you and your family. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect balance.
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