It’s no secret that some of us scratch our heads over how to limit screen time. It shouldn’t be so difficult. Just turn off the TV, right?
But if your kids are anything like mine, it seems like that’s all they want to do! Even my granddaughter, who is only one, grabs a phone every time she sees that screen.
(Like single mom Alla, Host Families are lucky enough to have an extra set of hands to help!)
Reality is often much more challenging than just turning off the screen. With busy work schedules, houses to clean, dinner to make, sanity to be kept, and a never-ending list of other things that must be done, parents are bound to rely on screen time as an aid… Maybe sometimes more than we should.
I am guilty of using the screen-sitter, but is that so bad?
The Pros and Cons of Screen Time for Kids?
Is screen time always bad? Not necessarily. While it would be easy to come up with a list of 10 reasons why screen time is bad, the right type of screen time can be beneficial for kids when used intentionally.
The Benefits of Screen Time
When used purposefully, screen time can:
- Support learning through educational apps and videos.
- Aid language development when paired with cultural exposure, such as learning a second language.
- Encourage creativity with tools like drawing apps or video-making platforms.
- Build tech skills that prepare kids for the modern world.
- Connect with long-distance relatives through video chatting.
The Cons of Screen Time
However, there are negative effects of screen time on children that we need to be aware of:
- Reduced physical activity and outdoor play.
- Poor sleep quality from overexposure to screens, especially before bedtime.
- Strained vision and shorter attention spans.
- Increased risk of behavioral and academic challenges.
- Exposure to inappropriate content without supervision.
Balancing these pros and cons is key to raising well-rounded, healthy kids.
How Much Screen Time is Too Much?
So, much screen time for kids is acceptable? While the scientific jury is still out on what’s the suggested max of screen time, the World Health Organization recently recommended:
- No screen time for children under one year old.
- Up to one hour daily for kids aged 2 to 5.
How an Au Pair Can Help with Screen Time
All of that sounds quite reasonable, but how can an Au Pair help parents enforce a daily time limit?
An Au Pair can help you manage your child’s screen time by enforcing healthy limits and introducing engaging alternatives that support early childhood development. Instead of kids watching TV or playing video games, an Au Pair can promote physical play, creative activities, and human interaction, which are crucial for developing social and language skills. With their support, you can replace excessive screen time with purposeful, healthy habits.
Limiting screen time is particularly important for parents of babies and young children not yet in school. He or she can be there when you’re not, teach responsible screen usage, and engage your child in many other ways. Host Families love the flexibility and convenience of hosting, but the added benefits are practically limitless.
Yes, some screen time isn’t horrible, but perhaps with a limit or with a specific purpose. For example, if your Au Pair is teaching your kids to speak another language, TV time can help with immersion
12 Tips to Limit Screen Time for Kids
Adults do not need to be the “meanest ever,” as my son calls me. If expectations are clear and everyone is expected to follow the rules, it is less painful.
Your Au Pair can be essential to success, so make sure he or she knows what you allow and abides by that even when you’re gone. Here are some real ways you and your Au Pair can limit, yes limit, screen time for your kids in today’s insta-world.
1. Get off your own screen (yes, parents, that’s YOU!)
Be a role model. There is a time and a place for watching, scrolling or searching, but show your kids how you limit your own electronic use. Nothing is more sad than a child trying to get the their parent’s attention, who is glued to their screen. Setting a good example and prioritizing face-to-face interactions, you can teach your kids the real connection comes from human interaction, not just screen use. Most parents don’t want their Au Pair on the phone during work hours anyway. That leads me to my next point…
2. Talk to your kids about the impact of too much screen time.
Staring at the screen is bad for our eyes, scatters our attention, makes us ignore people in the room who talk to us, and keeps us from doing important things that need to be done (like making dinner or doing homework or playing with our kids). It makes kids grumpy to get off their devices, too, which is a bad for everyone.
3. Set house rules about when devices can be used and stick to them
Here’s where your Au Pair is an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands. In my house, during the school year, no devices are allowed before school until certain tasks are complete: kids up and dressed (including shoes and socks), beds made, pets fed, bags packed, breakfast eaten, teeth and hair brushed. We read for 15 minutes just before the bus every day, so screen time naturally ends.
4. Turn off the TV during mealtimes
Avoid letting the TV become regular background noise in your home. Set a rule against using devices at the dinner table or during meals, adults included. (My kids love it when my husband reminds me of this rule! 😂)
5. Be flexible in the summer, within reason
When we have somewhere to be in the morning, like swim lessons or gymnastics, school year rules apply so we can get out the door. If not, when the sun is out, kids are out playing. When I need to do chores, I get the kids to help (a little). When I cook, I give the kids little jobs. If I need to do some work, I pull out the kids’ summer reading and math packets or tell them to read for a half hour (killing two birds, baby!).
6. Use parental controls to help limit screen time
That is, until the kids are old enough to figure them out and lock you out of them. Use them while you can. Non-negotiable is the fact that I need to know all my kid’s and they have to show me anything that’s on or that they post to their devices.
7. Set a timer to enforce screen time limits
I do this for reading time as well as screen time. It is less painful and the kids understand that the clock doesn’t lie—it’s just a tool. Plus, I can be the “coolest mom ever” when I give five extra minutes.
8. Keep a chart, or a whiteboard, for earning screen time
Chores completed can earn minutes of screen time, or screen time can be tracked daily. Kids can even compete to earn maximum or bonus minutes by doing extra chores. Fun, right?
9. Engage in family time
If it’s nice, go for a walk, play outside, jump rope, or ride bikes. If it’s stormy, play card or board games, read a book together, draw a picture or write a story. You could even challenge them at one of their own games, even one online. You won’t be sorry you spent time with your kids.
10. Let the kids think it’s their idea to stop using their device
This involves a bit of parenting wizardry. Any child is more likely to do something if an adult isn’t forcing it upon them. You can build a car track for younger kids when they aren’t looking, or stage a dinosaur attack on your child’s favorite playhouse.
If your kids are older, think of their favorite activity. Maybe your son likes to read and can’t resist it if you leave a new book by their favorite author on the coffee table. Or maybe your daughter would unconsciously start playing with a strategically placed soccer ball.
11. It takes a village to raise a child without screens
Engage the help of your neighbors! If there are a lot of kids in your neighborhood, team up with the other parents to limit screen time. When all the parents in one neighborhood stand firm against screen time, it’s much easier to insist on free play and time spent outdoors.
12. Ideally, revoking privileges should be a last resort
As a final resort, I do threaten, and sometimes take away, the privilege of having an electronic device as a punishment. Usually, just the threat of removal brings my kids into compliance, since they know I am true to my word. Depending on the offense, it may be for a day or longer.
Making an Action Plan for Your Family
Creating a screen time plan tailored to your family’s needs is essential. Include your Au Pair in the process to ensure everyone is on the same page. This teamwork provides kids with consistency and keeps screen time in check.
Managing screen time for kids isn’t about eliminating screens entirely—it’s about balance, purpose, and engagement. With an Au Pair by your side, you can build healthy habits that work for your family.Ready to make your family life easier and more enriching? Hosting an Au Pair provides personalized childcare and support for managing screen time and beyond. Start your journey and find an Au Pair today!
