Limiting Screen Time For The Kids: The Results So Far

It’s only been 7 days since I decided to stop iPad-use for the kids during the week, with limited use on weekends and I’ve already seen a huge difference in Oliver, 7.

Alexander, 5, rarely used the iPad anyway and is still firmly in kid-mode (as it should be at 5) enjoying his books, train set, cuddly toys and building bricks.

Oliver, however, is an old soul and his need for constant stimulation was met for the most part, with sophisticated games and educational apps. There’s a place for tech-of course there is-it’s informative, inspiring and fun to boot, but it can be overstimulating and disruptive too. I feel that way, and I’m an adult who works in tech.

All tech can prevent and disrupt sleep stalling melatonin production, and I found it was inciting mood swings in my kids. I was dealing with endless frustration over computer game failure, over-tiredness and frankly what appeared to be a tech-addiction from Oliver who would rush through his homework, dinner and conversation to get back on his iPad. This is from a child who loves chatting, drawing and watching movies.

Tech was ruining our family-life.

So we went back to basics and Oliver went cold turkey.

And unsurprisingly, from the first night, calm was restored and moods uplifted.

Yes, there have still been tough times. That’s inevitable as kids will be kids and the boys drove me completely bonkers earlier arguing non-stop, but I can’t imagine adding an iPad to that mix. Small silver linings huh!

So we’re going to keep it up. Yes, we’ll use tech when homework requires it and in limited, structured ways on the weekend so the kids can enjoy rather than rely on computer for their every need. They are going to be bored more so they can use their imagination as I did as a kid.

Everything in moderation, right?!

Vitally, anything that limits meltdowns and makes life easier with kids, and enables us all to have more fun together as a family, gets a ‘yes’ from me!

Have you tried it?

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