Surely, disconnecting kids from the digital world is difficult but it is not impossible. Today, in this post, we share with you 10 tips on how you can disconnect your kids. Reads on!
Contents
1. Set a place to view the screens
You can ask kids to use their devices in the social areas of the home, such as the living room or dining room. In this way, we do not associate loneliness with the screens, so as not to contribute to a self-absorbed and detached personality from reality.
2. Put parental controls on devices
Never leave a device with Internet access without first ensuring that you have established parental controls. Just as you would not let your child walk alone in the middle of the street, for their safety, here you should keep the limits. There are many good options available in the market but the one worth trying is FamilyTime app. The app offers avid parental controls with many features that you can use for your kids’ safety.
3. Choose content suitable for their age
Before accessing a series, movie or application requested by the child, make sure that its content made for their age. You don’t want her to be confronted with content or topics that she’s not psychologically ready for.
It is better to share with your children the activity of watching some content together (for example, a streaming movie, a memory game, a music video.
4. Get them involved in household chores
One way to get kids off the screens, without having to ban them, is to assign him household chores suitable for their ability, age and development. You can choose anything from picking up his toys, making the bed or setting the table. He will be learning to be responsible with his family, which will make him feel important for collaborating, and also take him away from the screens, at least for a few minutes.
5. Encourage reading
You can start by reading her favorite books for at least a few minutes every day and little by little her love of reading will grow. A few minutes of reading daily is better than waiting for that “ideal” moment to arrive, which will surely not come.
One idea, especially in multi-member families, is to organize a book club and discuss the content of a book that everyone has read. For younger children, you can also organize a reading challenge, with tests that children have to complete every day to win a prize.
6. Link screen time to physical activity
It could be a video to do aerobic exercises, a cooking class by Zoom or an electronic game in which you have to move with dances or sports. You have many video game options to enjoy as a family. It’s good for their health, and if you join the movement, it’s good for yours too. The activity also reinforces family ties with something fun.
7. Talk to them
Explain to them the importance of having a time for everything, of doing the activities in their time and space and of the limits you want to establish with the use of the screen. Adapt your speech to his age so he can understand. Be consistent and consistent.
8. Accept resistance
If for everyone it is a challenge to limit their leisure time and consumption of digital content, it is even more difficult for children, due to their immature and easily captivated minds. Be understanding and allow time for small changes to be accepted. It is important to face this with clear expectations and take the attitude one day at a time.
9. Play
Aim to play at least 5 minutes every day at something that stimulates their imagination and creativity. They can be puzzles, blocks or role plays: like policemen and firemen. This time could easily become your child’s favorite time, as children love receiving attention from their parents.
10. Lead by example
When you are at the table for meals, at play or reading time, do not be with your mobile in your hand. Otherwise, all your effort will not be worth it, as children understand your example better than your instructions.
Using these tips, you can surely disconnect your kids from the digital world. Also mind that by gradually reducing the time spent connecting to digital content, you protect your children from anxiety or depressive disorders caused by excessive use of screens and improve their rest when they go to sleep.
In addition, you can avoid the damages of sedentary lifestyle and, consequently, obesity, and you will protect the quality of their long-term vision.