Children are often compelled to explore as they are new to this world, I would suggest to guide them somewhere where they can freely explore and buy them manual toys, such as a plastic spade on the beach, or a magnifier in the park. Children are compelled to use such items as exploring enhances their awareness and knowledge and skills with a great deal of fun at the same time. However, you should also encourage your child to start exploring and inspire them to follow that direction as it also creates a stronger bond between the parent and child in addition to increasing levels of creativity. One more point would be, if you had noticed children mimic the behavior of the parent quite often or any person within their surroundings, specially if your child is under age 7 for within birth and growth to age 7, children constantly digest all forms of information that they are exposed to, so make sure the way you behave is the way you want your child to behave. Enjoy a beautiful day.
I don’t know how young your children are. My daughter is quite young and the only reason why she wants to use devices is because me and my husband do. So in my case, I find that if we stop using devices as often, she will mirror our behaviour. If your children are older, my suggestion would be to treat them as adults. My husband and I have agreed that on Saturdays we do not use devices, unless it’s absolutely mandatory. You can schedule a day of the week, or time of day where no one at home uses devices.
Do activities with them - that they’re actually interested in. Coming up with projects like making a comic book, redecorating their room, or how to get better at a hobby they’re passionate about can make it really easy to inspire them. I bring out paints and say, let’s make something for your room and rarely have argument.
I wish I knew. How to get them outside, engaged in sport and nature? I limit screen time to 1 hour a day and that included their phone. So far they comply
On iPhones, there is a function in the settings called screen time. You can use this to limit how much time they are on their phone. Another way is to spend time with them playing board games or going out in nature. What do they love to do? Put down your phone and spend time with them doing whatever they’re into.
If I want my kids to use their devices less often, then I realized I need to set the example first and use my device less often, or use my device only when it’s needed. My kids need to see me NOT using my device as a something to help me check out, mindless web surfing, and habitual pick up and checking favorite sites. And once I’m practicing healthier habits with my device, it’s easier to enforce healthy device habits for my kids.
How often do you use your devices? Kids don’t follow what you tell them to, they follow your example. They’re like your reflection in the mirror. Keep that in mind:)
Find your child’s strength such as reading, art or music and engage them by finding things in hobbies that they would be excited to do
However long they do an activity like reading, drawing or playing sport, is how long they are allowed on electronics. E.g 20min reading 10min drawing and 1hr playing sport is 1hr 30min of screen time
Tell them they’re not allowed screen time. Screen time can be a privilege to be earned, rather than a right to be expected. The device is a distraction from some other issue. My kids have no issue not using their devices as long as I am interacting with them. Find some ways to include them in what you’re doing, so that they can be part of what is going on. Device entertainment really does pale in comparison to positive parental attention.
Answers reflect the personal experiences of Fabulous community members. They are not medical or professional advice — for guidance about your health, talk to a qualified professional.
