One of the biggest struggles we face – and I know we are not alone – is managing screen-time. In the summer we don’t face the same problem because the kids are outside. But winter is another story. We all want to go in and hibernate in the dark, including the kids (unless there is good sledding and/or snowman snow – then they are outside for every minute they can be). We were battling the screen-time balance all last winter and I felt like I was always the one losing. Behind in homework. Late to bed. Tears over shutting off the T.V. or game system. A mother mentioned to me that she does no T.V. or games Monday thru Thursday, and all I heard was genius. No nightly battles to shut it off, no stretching 1 hour into 2 or 3 (I am easily distracted and my kids know it), more family interaction, more focused homework time.
So we started no-electronics-Monday-thru-Thursday with the start of the school year. Not an easy adjustment, but done now and part of the norm. I do allow music, but no T.V., video games, or non-school computers. The simplicity of “no” instead of arguing over number of hours has added a little bit of peace to our crazy world. Don’t get me wrong, we are still running around like mad people trying to keep up – but it gives us a little more time and a lot more interaction.
What we learned.
- It works best as “no”. Not a little bit, not an hour. Just “no”.
- I had to hide remotes, electric cords, and portable electronics for a while until they gave in and accepted. Now that they are used to it, we don’t have to hide access as much (but never fully let your guard down. These are children. They sense weakness and attack).
- I thought the teens could be exempt, but was wrong. They need help with the electronic balancing also – probably more than the younger kids. I’ve found they interact with everyone much more and I remember how fun and witty they are without their noses stuck to their phones. They are getting an hour a night of phone, and need their computers for school. But no binge You-Tube or Netflix.
- Bonus: I feel relaxed about Friday night movie night at home, and the kids love waking up Saturday morning and getting to play video games. I don’t feel guilty because the total screen time for the week is still well below recommended screen time. Yeah!