So many good suggestions here! There are a lot of things I would do differently with my 17 year-old's relationship to screen time. But one thing I am proud of is that we've always required devices to be out of their room at a set time every night before bed. I think it's the rare teen who has the ability to self-regulate screens in favor of sleep. (It's hard for adults!)
100-percent, re: adults: I closed my laptop approximately 45 seconds before turning out the lights last night. Someday I'd love to hear what you would have done differently!
Loved this substack today! Screens are something I wrestle with constantly. I’ve held off on personal devices for kids but when my spouse is deployed, the TV is the only way I can guarantee uninterrupted time for myself to workout/work/cook etc. My witty 4 year old even called it his favorite babysitter! We have, sadly, fallen into the trap of my kids feeling entitled to daily screen time, even on days where they are doing something else way more fun. I try to explain that TV is not a “need to do” every day but oh the emotions!
I hear you: My default is to offer tv time while I cook dinner, which is not necessarily a bad solution, but we are working hard to break that feeling of entitlement to daily screen time. I also made the mistake of saying he had to do his daily reading before TV time. Now when he finishes reading he thinks I "owe" him screentime. Audio books/podcasts might be a good alt option for you to get workout/work/cook time.
So many good suggestions here! There are a lot of things I would do differently with my 17 year-old's relationship to screen time. But one thing I am proud of is that we've always required devices to be out of their room at a set time every night before bed. I think it's the rare teen who has the ability to self-regulate screens in favor of sleep. (It's hard for adults!)
100-percent, re: adults: I closed my laptop approximately 45 seconds before turning out the lights last night. Someday I'd love to hear what you would have done differently!
Loved this substack today! Screens are something I wrestle with constantly. I’ve held off on personal devices for kids but when my spouse is deployed, the TV is the only way I can guarantee uninterrupted time for myself to workout/work/cook etc. My witty 4 year old even called it his favorite babysitter! We have, sadly, fallen into the trap of my kids feeling entitled to daily screen time, even on days where they are doing something else way more fun. I try to explain that TV is not a “need to do” every day but oh the emotions!
I hear you: My default is to offer tv time while I cook dinner, which is not necessarily a bad solution, but we are working hard to break that feeling of entitlement to daily screen time. I also made the mistake of saying he had to do his daily reading before TV time. Now when he finishes reading he thinks I "owe" him screentime. Audio books/podcasts might be a good alt option for you to get workout/work/cook time.