Today's children and teens are growing up immersed in digital media. They are exposed to media in all forms, including TV, computers, smartphones, and other screens. Which is very hard to avoid!
Before Kyle was born we've decided not to have screen time for him but it's hard when it comes to the time where I need to do house chores or see other children who can already sing some nursery rhythms (kiasu mode)
We introduced YouTube videos to him when he was around 1 and a half years old. Then he fell in love with motorbike and now he love Blippi. I must say that E-learning helps but we should set a limitations.
Last Saturday, we went for a talk by Dr. Lalith Mendis from Sri Lanka. Titled Boosting brain and Studies in an age of digital domination. Dr. Lalith Mendis is a medical doctor & academic and his wife, Hiranthi Christine is an attorney at law. They gave up their career to be ministers of the Gospel. They administer a Prayer Campus used as a Glory House to bring in God’s Glory to nations and other nations have begun to visit this Glory Garden to be refreshed in the Lord.
This is what we learned from him last Saturday.
I know it's hard especially when we already get used with the routine. But let me encourage you to try reduce the screen time day by day, more fun activities like: 1. Outdoor activities to the beach, park, cycling, jogging, swimming etc.
2. Colour/ Shapes matching
3. Draw and paint
4. Baking
5. Music and more!
Also, try this Restrictions on screen time method :)
This is what we practice in our family:
No TV at Home
Many will ask seriously?! You guys don't watch TV at all? We do, of course! Once a week on weekends, me and hubby will choose a movie and watch on his laptop before sleeps, it's one of our marriage time.
Sometimes when there is good drama, I will chase drama too but using my phone. And only watch it when I was taking shower, driving or cooking. Crazy multitasking there I know 😏
We decided not to have TV at our house way before getting married. Because we believe when there's TV, there's less family time and the disadvantages is more than advantages. We will have never ending house chores and late sleeps or the husband just sit on the couch whole day with the remote control! I'm glad that me and hubby have the common understanding on this and more surprisingly this was his idea!
Set a Routine
Our routine on weekdays are after work > rest and play toys/drawing > family dinner > rest and play with either one of us while another one do house chores > Read books > Good night.
Where else on weekends we have more free time. Sometimes I need to clean the house so I turned on my desktop YouTube for Kyle. Or when daddy is busy with his work, he will show Kyle YouTube. It's bad idea for YouTube to become our nanny.
Psychological Preparation
Get him understand he can only watch for how long and keep remind him 5 minutes before the video ends. If he cries, we will just leave it and distract him with other stuff or topic.
No Screen Time during Meals
This is a Big No No for us. We practice family time when we're eating. We talk and share how was our day.
Dr. Lalith shared this. Technology can be a monster to your child. Disturbs sleep, lean to junk food, inattention,reduces 3D touch and sight and many many more. And who is the one who introduced this monster to them? Parents.
I do not against digital screen time, please do not get me wrong :)
I think Kyle does learn something from the videos too and E-learning will helps but balance is the key.
So let's take sometime after our busy work day, just spare 2 hours to attend our children.
We can do this!
That's all for my sharing. Till next time :)