Finding the Right Balance: Why Children Should Have Limited Screen Time

Why Children Should Have a Limited Amount of Screen Time

Kids need to have limited screen time to encourage healthy development and active play, which are essential for their physical and social skills. Excessive screen time can hinder their ability to focus, sleep, and engage with the world around them. Watching low-stimulating shows helps create a calmer environment, allowing for better emotional regulation and attention span. This approach fosters creativity and imaginative play, which is crucial for their growth and learning.

How I keep my Child on a Limited Screen Time Schedule

I want to share how I manage screen time for my toddler. I have set some limits to ensure a healthy balance. He can watch just one episode in the morning, and I will allow him to watch a bit before bedtime. When we are feeling under the weather or on special occasions, he may get a little extra screen time. This way, I believe we’re maintaining a good routine while enjoying some flexibility when needed.

TV Alternatives for Kids

Outdoor Play

There’s nothing likes some fresh air and vitamin D straight from the source. The opportunities are endless with outdoor play. You have all the freedom you want to run and jump and play. Build a obstacle course for your little ones to go through, play a game of tag, set up a water table station, and get active.

Arts & Crafts

Set up a fun craft station with crafting paper, drawing utensils, and age appropriate supples. Another option could be setting up a kinetic sand or play dough table. Again here, the opportunities are endless.

Reading

Personally I make reading a daily habit. Let your child choose books that interest them and work on exploring different genres together to help spark their imagination.

Tonies Box

A Tonies box is great for kids because it combines storytelling with interactive play, allowing them to engage with their favorite characters and stories in a screen-free way. It fosters creativity and imagination while also improving listening skills and language development.

Games and puzzles

Games and age appropriate puzzles are a great way to spend fun, quality family time together. It always fun to get the whole family involved together, laughing over a friendly competition. Both are also great ways for children to engage their minds and work on problem-solving skills.

Cooking & Baking

You’re going to have messes, but it’s so important to involve your little ones in the kitchen with you. I have always included my son in cooking and he is 2.5 able to crack an egg without getting the shell in the mix 85% of the time. Did we start out there? No. Did we throw away the first 1/2 dozen eggs? Unfortunately, yes. But practice makes perfect.

Music & Dancing

Singing can playing a musical instrument can be lots of fun. Whether you’re learning a song or just making noice. Dance parties are a great indoor activity that is also physical.

Build or Construct Something

You can find simple things to build at target or Walmart or amazon. Last spring I got my son a bird house and a race car to decorate and put together.

Gardening

Your garden doesn’t have to be big. It could just be a couple small pots with flowers in them. Make a fun time in decorating the pot, filling it with dirt, then planting some seeds. This can also help kids learn responsibility by remembering to water their plant each day.

PBS Kids, Prime

the Right Screen Time Balance for Your Family

Ultimately, each family is finding the approach that suits them best—be it no screen time, some limits, or unrestricted use throughout the day. We’re all navigating life’s challenges for the first time and making choices we believe are right. This post is not intended to judge anyone but to share knowledge and provide useful insights.