Today's Glow Kids And Weaning Them Off Screens

Off late one of the most asked question by parents to me is on how to wean their kids off screens. This is a constant worry that I see parents face on a daily basis. This article is not just relevant for parents but more so for SAHM/D( Stay at home moms or dads)

I’ve had friends struggling with this issue. And , at this juncture, the struggle still continues. The trick is to not use the screens as a mechanism to engage children in the first place. Pray tell, How does a toddler armt-wist an adult into giving a toddler a screen in the first place ??? Screens, mobile or otherwise, are phenomenally addictive to us adults. And far more addictive to children. Please understand a child’s reality setting happens only by the age of 10. Her ability to differentiate reality from fantasy is fairly weak prior to this.

A screen engages an infant in a passive manner and the cognitive impact have mostly negative associations. That said, pre-schoolers do derive some benefit with screen usage but the quantum of use needs to be rationed to achieve any semblance of positive feedback.

All this is moot though since an infant should not be put in a position to dictate terms in the first place. There are numerous mechanisms to restrict usage of mobiles and other forms of screens but just about all of them will require active and collaborative intervention from the parent/primary care giver.

1. For starters, you might want to procure a set of children’s books and begin reading to her as much as your time and her interest will allow. Story telling is an art and your child will love you for it.

2. Get her physically active by taking her to the play ground nearest you . Play dates with other kids etc.

3. Explore your garden, if you have one or a public park. Kids are naturally curious and all these new sights and sounds are phenomenal learning experiences for her.

4. Sing her rhymes all the time. There’s a lot your child learns when you engage her in this fashion. She’ll begin to mimic the sounds and recognizing some of the words.

5. Arts and craft of literally any sort. It doesn't matter that she can’t hold a pencil or crayon. get some child friendly paints and the both of you go crazy using your hands and fingers. she’ll watch you and get her inspiration.

6. Get baking. kids love exploring with their fingers. Sure it’s going to be messy but they’ll love it! and when they finally eat what they make ? That’s a whole different type of achievement!

All these suggestions are designed to help a child learn about things around her and most importantly every single one of these activities are bonding opportunities that cement your relationship like nothing ever will. This will run deep and you’ll thank your stars that you did.

Bottom line? Do anything you please without turning the TV/ mobile on. The catch is that the parent or the primary caregiver needs to forsake their time on these screens as well. And this is where they falter . It is not so much that the child is addicted but the parent is.

Your child is watching you and you spending all that time with a a screen is what she’s picking up from you. Never give in to the temptation of keeping her engaged with a device . That’s the beginning of a very painful mistake. One that will take a lot out of you to correct.

If you are a working parent and have to leave your child at day care , do ensure you choose a daycare that is designed to keep your child active through out his stay and not one that puts him to sleep because it is convenient. This may not be easily available or inexpensive but it’ll be fully worth it . A fully exercised child, physically and cognitively is the best you can hope for.

Nett nett, you honestly don’t need a device to keep your child engaged. You will just need time with her. And that is the very least you can do considering you’ve opted to have a child.