7 Ideas for Getting Kids off Devices
• Have another activity lined up – Check out these great ideas from todays parents. They have 87 ideas from cooking to zooming around you living room in a box. https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-things-to-do-at-home/
• Use visual and sound cues to help kids keep track of time limits – For kids who don’t yet know how to tell time, try using the timer on the device to help them feel in charge of the process
• Find apps with built-in timers. Video streamers like Cakey and Huvi give parents some tools and have internal timers so the app stops on its own. You just then need to be on the ball to ensure you little one doesn’t just jump straight into another app.
• Tell kids to stop at a natural break, such as the end of an episode, level, or activity. – It’s hard for kids (and adults!) to stop in the middle of something. Before your kid gets on a device, talk about what they want to do or play, what will be a good place to stop, and how long they think it’ll take. Set the limit together and hold to it, though a little wiggle room (a couple of minutes so they can finish) is fine.
• Educate them on the consequences and follow through when kids test the limits. – When all else fails, it’s important to have discussed consequences for when your kid won’t give it up. Try keeping devices in a public space, setting expectations, and enforcing them. If they show you they can be partners in moderating and regulating themselves, there is always more flexibility.
• Create “Technology-Free Zones” – Establish zones in your house where electronics simply are not allowed—whether it’s cell phones, handheld video games, or laptops. One example is your home’s dining room or kitchen, which you could keep reserved for having meals and family conversations.
• Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Screen-Free – You won’t be able to monitor your child’s screen use if they are able to use devices out of your sight. For this reason, you might want to make it a rule that TVs, video game systems, and computers are not allowed in your child’s bedroom. This also includes handheld devices that your kids might be tempted to use late at night, which could interfere with their sleep.
