A year after we gifted our oldest with a Nintendo Switch, we had to do a parenting U-turn. That involved admitting we'd made a bad decision, offering some age-appropriate research, and moving forward with what we now knew was best for our children. Surprisingly, that was pretty much the end of the discussion. Our kids weren't thrilled at first, but they hardly ever asked for or mentioned screen-time again. It's been almost 6 months now, and it's one of the best decisions we've ever made.
That is so great to hear!! Thank you for sharing! I know so many parents are fearful of removing screens but from those who have, the results are always the same: it took a few days/weeks, but after that family life has been so much better.
My husband and I were fortunate and figured this out when our kids were still little, but even parents of older kids still have a chance to change course. We just have to get the word out!
Same here! Due to our kids neurodivergence, they're hypersensitive to screens, so it made a huge difference to their nervous systems when we took them away. I've had the chance to speak locally about our experience and how horrible screen-time can be for all kids but especially those who tend to be more sensitive, and I always get the objection: "If my kids don't have screens, I'll never be able to get anything done again." But that has not been our experience. Our kids are so much better regulated and able to use their creativity and social skills without screens there as a distraction. Our kids were 10 and 12 at the time, and I am thankful we did it before either of them had a smart phone. Even if they had though, I would still have done it. The research is SO clear. I'm really glad I found your blog as a resource to point my community (both online and in person) to.
A year after we gifted our oldest with a Nintendo Switch, we had to do a parenting U-turn. That involved admitting we'd made a bad decision, offering some age-appropriate research, and moving forward with what we now knew was best for our children. Surprisingly, that was pretty much the end of the discussion. Our kids weren't thrilled at first, but they hardly ever asked for or mentioned screen-time again. It's been almost 6 months now, and it's one of the best decisions we've ever made.
That is so great to hear!! Thank you for sharing! I know so many parents are fearful of removing screens but from those who have, the results are always the same: it took a few days/weeks, but after that family life has been so much better.
My husband and I were fortunate and figured this out when our kids were still little, but even parents of older kids still have a chance to change course. We just have to get the word out!
Same here! Due to our kids neurodivergence, they're hypersensitive to screens, so it made a huge difference to their nervous systems when we took them away. I've had the chance to speak locally about our experience and how horrible screen-time can be for all kids but especially those who tend to be more sensitive, and I always get the objection: "If my kids don't have screens, I'll never be able to get anything done again." But that has not been our experience. Our kids are so much better regulated and able to use their creativity and social skills without screens there as a distraction. Our kids were 10 and 12 at the time, and I am thankful we did it before either of them had a smart phone. Even if they had though, I would still have done it. The research is SO clear. I'm really glad I found your blog as a resource to point my community (both online and in person) to.