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When you envision summer vacation with your kids, I bet it involves beach days, backyard picnics, family bike rides, sprinklers, parks and splash pads. And while all these things may very well happen, in reality\u2026 most kids will spend WAY more time then we\u2019d like with a screen in their face this summer. My kids included.<\/p>\n
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So, I\u2019ve decided to make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of screen time our boys have over the summer vacation. During the school year, our house rule is they can only play their electronics on weekends \u2013 not on school days. But when summer hits, that rule doesn\u2019t really work. So, for those who are also trying to find ways to reduce the amount screen time this summer, I\u2019ve put together a few different techniques that might help. Set a Time Limit<\/strong> \u2013 Kids will play on their electronics for HOURS if we let them. So, set a time limit. 15 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour \u2013 whatever you\u2019re comfortable with. Tell your child BEFORE they start what the time limit is, and when that time is up\u2026the screen goes off and they need to do something else. I find if kids know AHEAD of time how long they have, it\u2019s not as big of an issue when they\u2019re asked to shut off.<\/p>\n Chores First<\/strong> \u2013 Most kids have some household chores they\u2019re responsible for. Our guys take care of recycling, cleaning their playroom, putting away their clothes etc. So, if they want some screen time, they must finish their chores first. No chores? No screens. Trust me, kids are MUCH more willing to help out if they know they\u2019ll get their precious iPad or Wii.<\/p>\n Outside\/Reading Time<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s summer. Summer is meant to be enjoyed\u2026OUTDOORS. We like to make sure our boys have a decent amount of outside time each day. So, if you want to encourage a little more time outside, set up a rule that they must have a certain amount of playtime outside before they\u2019re allowed screen time. If it\u2019s raining, make it a certain amount of reading and\/or colouring time first.<\/p>\n Set up a Schedule<\/strong> \u2013 Let\u2019s say you want your kids to have screen time twice a day. Maybe once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Set up a schedule. Maybe after breakfast and before dinner. Whatever works best for your family. With a screen schedule, your kids will know EXACTLY when they are allowed on their screens and will (hopefully!) stop asking constantly. Tip: set it up for times that YOU need a break. Like while you\u2019re prepping dinner, or during younger kids nap times. Be strategic!<\/p>\n Screen Free Days<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re up for it, pick a day or two each week where no screens are allowed! I find when kids know it\u2019s NOT an option, they use their imaginations more. It\u2019s on these days I\u2019ve found our boys in the playroom making up rules to a random game they just invented!<\/p>\n I know it can be hard to monitor screen time since electronic devices are everywhere! I\u2019m even guilty of spending too much time with my face in a screen! So, don\u2019t be too hard on yourself if your child spends more time than you\u2019d like with a screen in their face on any given day. Some days will be more challenging than others. Just use these techniques to help get a better grasp on how MUCH time they spend in front of screens.<\/p>\n Now go. Shut off. Your daily screen time is up! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When you envision summer vacation with your kids, I bet it involves beach days, backyard picnics, family bike rides, sprinklers, parks and splash pads. And while all these things may very well happen, in reality\u2026 most kids will spend WAY more time then we\u2019d like with a screen in their face this summer. My kids<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-812","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-mom-moments"},"yoast_head":"\n
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