- Because we could all use some less screen time and more face time...
Kids are full of energy. And as much as you might like to try, restraining that energy for long periods of time simply isn’t possible. It can, however, be directed into positive activities without being reliant on electronics, screens, and other mind-numbing outlets.
The Problem With Screen Time
Listen, we’re not going to sit here and tell you that screens are evil and should never be used. Any parent of a young child knows how refreshing it is to be able to reach for a screen when a child is getting restless at a restaurant or to put on a movie at the end of the day so that everyone quiets down and the adults can enjoy a little conversation. But screen time becomes a problem when it’s the default activity. Too much screen time can cause issues like:
- Obesity. Screen time encourages sedentary behavior, which is a risk factor for obesity and heart health issues. This includes problems like diabetes, high cholesterol, and increased blood pressure.
- Sleep issues. Screen time, particularly in the hour leading up to bedtime, increases a child’s blue light exposure and prevents the proper secretion of melatonin (which is needed to kick the sleep cycle into action).
- Cognitive/learning issues. Children who spend two hours or more per day on electronic devices are shown to score lower on both language and thinking tests. Those who get more than seven hours of screen time per day actually experience thinning of the brain’s cortex (which plays a role in thinking and reasoning).
But the most significant impact might be on your child’s mental health. New studies are shining a light on just how problematic this is.
“All the time spent in front of screens can negatively affect your mental and emotional wellbeing,” Valleywise Health explains. “Experts suggest that higher screen time and depression could be connected along with an increase in suicidal behaviors and lower one’s ability to read emotions in general.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children younger than two should avoid screens altogether. Those over the age of two should be limited to just 60 to 120 minutes per day.
5 Screen-Free Ways to Keep Kids Busy
So if the goal is to reduce screen time, how can you keep kids occupied and channel their energy into positive outlets? Here are several ideas:
- Printed Activity Books
Activity books can be a great option for encouraging children to use their brains in fun and creative ways. You can either buy an activity book at the local store, or you can print your own activity book that’s customized to your child’s interests and developmental level.
- Outdoor Free Play
Did you know that today’s kids spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors? This is a huge detriment to their physical and emotional well-being. Instill a greater sense of balance in your child’s daily routines by encouraging them to explore the backyard. Give them tasks/ideas, such as building a fort. They’ll love it (and you’ll get some peace and quiet inside)!
- Scavenger Hunts
When you absolutely, positively need an hour or two of quiet (and want your children to do something that expends a little energy), create a scavenger hunt in the yard or around the neighborhood. Give them a checklist of items to look for and promise the winner a prize!
- Mess-Making
As a parent, messes make us cringe. But if you can think back to being a kid, you’ll remember just how much fun it is to make a mess. A simple messy activity can keep a child captivated for hours and teaches them to explore their senses and be creative.
Obviously, the key to messy activities is to contain them. Good options include washable finger paints in the bathtub, running in the backyard sprinklers, or playing with Barbies or trucks in a sandbox.
- Creative Toys
Next time you buy your child a toy or a grandparent asks for a birthday gift idea, get them something that encourages creativity and exploration. Good ideas include puzzles, Play-Dough, art supplies, Legos, and blocks.
Set Your Kids Up for Success
Nobody ever claimed that raising kids was easy. (It can be downright difficult at times.) But if you want to set your kids up to be successful, sometimes you have to avoid the easy path – i.e. putting a screen in front of their face – and force them to use their bodies and brains. Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful ideas!