How to Limit Screen Time for 2–5 Year Olds in Just 2 Weeks
That literally SUCKS! The moment you unknowingly hand that tiny device to your child, and it turns into such an intense obsession — that he/she starts crying and whining terribly whenever you attempt to take it away. And that, indeed, burns you out, doesn’t it?
But not anymore! Here, we’ve got a complete checklist to help you dispel that unbreakable spell of smartphone over your little baby in just 2 short weeks. So sit tight!
1. Lead by a Positive Example
Your child’s brain is just like an untouched canvas, getting imprinted promptly by the actions and behavior you exhibit. The way you act leaves a lasting impression on your little one.
When you are glued to your phone 24/7, it will take no time for your baby to follow you through and act the same way. So the key is to be in charge of your actions and model the attributes you want him/her to adopt. Remember, you’re a living example for them — so make sure to set a positive one!
2. Devote Your Undivided Attention
Parents are always in a rush nowadays that they barely spend any quality time with their little ones, which results their child turning into a tech zombie. The age between 2 to 5 years old is when he/she needs your most devoted attention. And if you’re not fully present for them, they may end up partnering up with that handy little device. (enough for them all day long 🙂)
Playing can be a great excuse, because it’s not only the favorite activity of children but also helps you scale back on their prolonged exposure to screens. So…
- Play around with your child’s favorite cars, trucks, doll houses, etc
- Act out some stories with the fun playdough
- Let your kiddo’s creativity shine through drawing and painting
- Sing their favorite lullabies and tell tales to entertain and help them wind down
- Draw out some joy and laughter while playing hide-and-seek, peekaboo, hunt-the-thimble, blindfold, etc
Or you’re free to come up with something amusing enough to satiate their thirst for play and exploration around.
3. Gear up for Outside Venture
There’s nothing wrong with sitting and watching the screen, but the imbalance weighing down on your child’s overall health. Kids are naturally pumped with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity, which needs to be channelled appropriately. You can’t just leave them alone to the mercy of the screen, right?
The best way is to get them outside to have fun and live thorugh the joy of the wonderful outdoors. Maybe, you can take them to the nearby park where they can just jump in for some exhilarating swings and playful slides and savor the rhythmic joy of a seesaw. Or take a trip to an ice cream parlor to relish some sweet, yummy, and delightful treats.
This way, you can not only maintain a balance with healthy screen time but also prioritize your child’s overall well-being.
4. Set an Automatic Screen Lock
Just in case your child is fiercely stubborn and unwilling to do anything but binge-watching Disney cartoons, screen-limit apps are the way to play smart and take the smartphone back without a fight.
Simply install any screen limit app from the “Play Store” and schedule a daily screen limit for your child. By doing so, your phone will automatically turn off when the selected limit is reached, leaving your child clueless about watching anything further. (really a smart move, isn’t it?)
5. Appreciate With Positive Reinforcement
Keeping up with your child’s tantrum and adjusting to the new routine might seem scary at first. But if you try rewarding your sweetheart for keeping the good act together, things will become much easier for both of you.
For instance, showing a little gesture of appreciation with their favorite candy, glitter stickers, favorite toy, or anything they admire the most would be huge in motivating and keeping your child stuck to the rules.
Conclusion
In today’s tech-driven world, it seems next to impossible to completely snap your child out of the digital exposure. However, the above-outlined methods can help strike a balance between smartphone usage and other recreational activities in the time span of two short weeks. So try this today, and thank us later!
