7 Ways to Reduce the Screen Time of Your Toddlers

Kids nowadays grow up with mobiles and tablets within their finger’s reach. While people can layout several excuses, citing they do not have enough time or watching videos calm their children, extended screen time is definitely a bad option. According to certain studies, too much screen time can have a negative impact on kids. Obesity, sleep disturbances, behavioral and academic problems are few concerns associated with increased screen time. Some even suffer from sensory overload, hyperactivity and lack of sleep. Toddlers are at the age when they start developing cognitive skills and it is very important that parents guide them properly.

There are numerous ways to reduce the screen time of your toddlers. The most important being the parents’ willingness to avoid exposure of kids to mobiles or televisions at an early age. Nowadays parents also have the options of sending kids to Montessori preschools, Chinese Kindergartens and enrichment classes for preschoolers. The following article guides us with seven tips that can help your kids to reduce their screen time.

1. Be an example

It is understandable that technology is part of your work and social lives. If you spend most of your free time browsing your phone or TV, kids will also follow the same. Remember, kids, especially toddlers, grow up watching you. Therefore, it is better to avoid binge watching or keeping the TV on for background noise, when kids are around. Try spending quality time with your toddler and playing games. This is very essential to develop social and emotional skills of the child.

2. Tech free zones

Set aside a part of your house that should be free of any gadgets. The dining rooms are the best example for that. Utilize this space only for having meals and family times. Educate your kid about the implementation and monitor that the rule is strictly followed by all members of the house.

3. Unplug

Similar to a technology free zone in your house, set aside a no gadgets time in a day. Fix any time of the day that is convenient to everyone and place all the gadgets away. Have a healthy conversation with your kids and others. If your toddler is attending any preschools, Chinese Kindergartens or any enrichment classes, ensure that you make the kid describe the day’s activities and if possible ask them to enact the same at home too.

4. Talk to your kids

Kid’s have a habit of following things that you tell them in a good manner. Talk to them about how watching the TV severely damages their eyes. Discuss with everyone at home and formulate a plan to convey the message to the kids.

5. Enrichment classes

Enrichment classes for preschoolers are becoming very common in Singapore. These classes not only enhance your toddlers’ skill but also engage the kid’s free time with quality activity. Find out the activities that is best suitable for your kid and enroll him today itself.

6. Not a right, but privilege

It is a good practice to reward kids if he accomplishes an activity or shows good behavior. At the same time, cut down the TV time or mobile time as a negative consequence. Ensure that screen time should not be chosen as a reward.

7. Play with friends

If your kids have enough friends around, allow them to play more instead of making him sit at home and watch TV. The Chinese kindergartens and enrichment classes for preschoolers are a great way of engaging your kids with their friends.

Reducing the screen time is not only beneficial for your kid, but practicing it is a great way for you to spend quality time with the family. Try implementing these tips and help yourself.

Sam Shaw owns a Chinese kindergarten and she is a pro at managing kids. She runs a Montessori preschool and makes every possible effort to transform a kid’s future and make it better.