I just returned from a great weekend at Moharimet Elementary School in New Hampshire where we explored screen time from several different angles. After exploring screens through the lens of what our children are not doing when they are doing screen time (likely, not getting bored, not engaging in deep play and not wondering – a lost art in our Age of Google), we explored 10 tips to get in charge of screen time.
Today I’m going to share 5, and tomorrow I’ll share 5 more. Please do let me know which of these resonate for you!
- Be a good media role model. Model “The Pause”.
- Clear screen time parameters: the struggle is less when the parameters are clear.
- For tweens or teens who may be getting their first phone. Create a contract.
- Keep supplies stocked; a nice thick pad of drawing paper, sharpened pencils and a few field guides are a good place to start!
- Get comfortable with hearing, “I’m bored!.” In fact, give yourself a secret pat on the back when you’re children say this; allowing them the time and space for boredom (which is the precursor to deep play) is a true gift.
Do you use any of these practices in your family? Have some more to add? Join the conversation, and be sure to check back tomorrow for the next 5 tips!
Lisa Weiner is a nurse practitioner and parenting counselor. She received a BA from Tufts University in 1993 and a Masters of Science in Nursing from The Institute of Health Professions at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2000. She is a Certified Simplicity Parenting counselor.
Most importantly, she is the mama of two wonderful boys (ages 8 and 11).
Lisa lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, sons and dog. She teaches parenting classes on a wide variety of topics, leads workshops at schools and conferences and works individually with parents.
You can read more from Lisa or join her for courses at her website, Handmade Parenting.