Screen Time For Your Kids? Who Cares
The Benefits of A Little Screen Time For Your Kids
Remember when we were kids and everyone told us not to sit too close to the TV or it would hurt our eyes?
Other than interfering with sleep, physical activity, and “real” social interactions we need to chill out about using screen time to babysit the kids in times of need (like cooking dinner for God’s sake!)
Yes, we have a rule in our house that we don’t choose tablets over friends and family–and I will stick to that. We put all the screens away when Grandma comes over. We also move our bodies, it is not healthy to sit and stare at screens for several hours.
But, it would be so naive of us parents to assume that locking away tablets is the best choice for kids whose futures could very obviously be ruled by them. Who are we to predict the future? I can think of several benefits of screen time besides a nice quiet 45 minutes to make Butter Beef Stew in peace.
Number one, educational content. Lots and lots of programs and apps are designed to teach our kids. I love hearing my four-year-old ask how many miles around the sun is compared to Earth, and why Uranus is tipped over. He is absorbing information from these silly little games and loves it–I say, why not? The introduction to various subjects is great. And most of them are interactive and entertaining. You can’t beat that. I do feel sorry for their first-grade teachers who will have to compete but I’m sure the school system will be using its own tablets!
Number two, skill development and digital literacy. My kids are learning how to use tech which they will most likely be using for the rest of their lives. They’re not even five yet and understand the concept of “Not Enough Storage Space for Angry Birds”. The idea of app installation, and troubleshooting. It’s wild! In addition, certain apps and games are helping them learn skills in problem-solving, and critical thinking, they’re doing little puzzles and figuring out spatial awareness. They’re using tiny fingers in new ways like pinching and dragging, the fine motor skills of a kid that colors with crayons on paper and does puzzles on a tablet are well-rounded and intentionally tuned for their future with tech.
Number three, access to information. This one is tricky because I believe kids should not have unlimited access to the internet for safety reasons– but exploration and learning about different topics, fostering curiosity, and expanding their knowledge base are very good reasons to relax about your kids watching some YouTube while you’re bathing the baby.
Number four, social connection. The digital age is upon us. No kid can facilitate social connections without screens–be honest with yourself. Video calls and messaging apps allow your kids to stay in touch with family and friends that aren’t physically there. The new standard of connection involves screens, so adapt to it. I feel like I hold onto the past telling my kids that screens are always going away when we have visitors, but look how many more visitors they can have because of our phones! These lucky kids can see their Uncle face to face when he’s on a hunting trip, and experience his experiences with him in real time.
Number five, pure unadulterated entertainment. Yes, the kids are bored so they grab a tablet, and yes, it’s very much easier for me to do than build them a tent indoors. Sue me! They like playing Minecraft, and in moderation, it's not the end of the world. How else would they choose their birthday party themes? Let kids be kids.
All this to say, a little screen time is OK. Especially if leveraged to make less stressed parents! Careful though, the negative effects of excessive screen time are very much a problem. Exposure to inappropriate content, interferences with sleep, physical activity, and interruption of face-to-face social interactions can occur. It is your job as a parent to balance this for your kids, make it fun and light, and not an addiction. Ultimately, the key is to find a healthy balance that incorporates screen time as a positive tool for learning, entertainment, and social connection without neglecting other important aspects of a child’s development.
-LaChelle
