Converting erratic screen time to meaningful screen time for your child: The mindset shift
The pandemic has affected the younger generation most. Their school time has turned into series of online classes which are stressful for both the students and teachers.
Since the majority of the day is spent in virtual schooling, most parents are overwhelmed with the screen time gone overboard resulting in the elimination of extra screen use from the daily routine.
Fair enough! But how will this help in making the children future-ready ?
The future demands a smart generation who not only are technology-friendly but also innovators.
Here are some of the ways that might help in turning random scrolling on YouTube into meaningful screentime for kids:
- Start with why.
As parents, it’s necessary to explain the why behind every step you take for your children especially when they are 5+. This strengthens the bond and helps in setting the right expectations.
Explain why you want to increase or decrease the screen time of your child. Set the rules for how and when the content could be watched.
2. Give choices and let them choose.
For all the obvious reasons the children would not watch the content you want them to watch. Then how to go about it?
A very simple solution is: Let them make decisions.
Try to understand the type of content they like to watch and the content you want them to watch. Now find a balance between the two. Give them the choices and let them choose what they want to watch.
“But my child just wants to watch cartoons all the time.”
Cartoons are a great way of depicting emotions. But too much is not advisable too.
When the child has chosen inappropriate content, let him think of why. Discuss the difference between good quality and poor quality content. This will encourage quality screen use and fewer arguments.
3. Introduce educational games
Have you come across any child who doesn’t love games?
Mostly no!
How about the idea of having fun while learning?
It’s like the cherry on the cake.
Video games, educational mobile
games have proven to build multiple 21st-century skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, etc. They have numerous cognitive advantages on the children.
You can read this article for further details: https://blog.advancementcourses.com/articles/educational-benefits-video-games/
4. Go beyond the screen time.
“But I am unsure if my children have actually built any skills.”
Yes, a possibility. But you can go the extra mile to gauge this.
Once the children have watched something or played something, discuss with them. Ask their likes & dislikes. Try to understand their opinions and clarify misconceptions if any.
This will build their critical thinking and motivate them to be more cognizant.
5. Family rules and ideas.
All of us know that it takes a village to raise a child.
Children learn from their surroundings and environment. Given the current scenario, they are spending their day in the four walls. So, it is important to set some screen use rules and habits as a family too.
Convert the screen time into immersive family time. Plan some family routines on the screens and have fun together. Eg: watching movies together, playing video games together ,etc.
Remember, little changes can bring big differences.
