Screen Time Tips

Off to a great start this year!

One issue we wanted to keep in check was TV and electronic (video game) time. Keeping screen time to a minimum is tough as the days get longer, the kids need to unwind and relax after school and the weather starts to get chilly, so we have started to institute some clear rules to keep a great balance in our house. Starting back to school meant a shift in so many of our routines, so adding a few new rules about this, was easy on all of us!

Here are some of our new Back to School Screen Time Rules;

1.  No TV in the mornings.  
Mornings are a rush and the kids weren’t focusing on their tasks, so we decided that TV was one more distraction we didn’t need. The kids don’t seem to miss it at all and in fact, we are less rushed, have a chance to chat about what we’re looking forward to for the day and we aren’t panicked to make the bus at 8:10!

2.  Set the example.
Paul used to love to watch the sports updates each mornings or turn on the game after work.  It was so automatic.  Now we set the PVR if it’s an important game and limit our own TV time for after the kids are in bed!  It’s a great time to start a new series like “Call the Midwife” or watch newly released films like “12 Years a Slave” on Netflix!

3.  Homework first.
Right after school the boys get a snack and I empty their lunch bags (yuck).  Right away, we keep the momentum of learning, by getting right into homework.  Heading into the 5th week of school, I’m pleased to say that most nights, it’s not a battle, but an expected part of the day. They know that free time starts AFTER their homework is completed.

4.  Setting reading times.
As important as limited screen time is setting reading times. Ty could read all day, but Jayden needs a little push. Knowing that he has to read at least 10 minutes is now becoming a part of our day. 

5.  Enjoy the screens together.
The boys LOVE it if I can play their video games with them, watch their favourite TV shows or have a family movie night! Everyone needs a little downtime, so grabbing a blanket and watching a show with my favourite people is a perfect way to end the day!

6. Keep weekends flexible.
We have a crazy weekend schedule with both boys in hockey, so with all the ice time and exercise, weekends are a time to be flexible on screen time.  If we notice they have been on their devices or watching TV too much, we might choose to limit it, but mostly weekends are for everyone to do the things they love!

7.  Get each kid their own Netflix profile.
No more fighting over what they each want to watch and also the guarantee that the show they were each watching can be started in the EXACT same spot, is the perfect way to enjoy Netflix. When bedtime hits, they can stop their show and know that it will be ready for them after homework the next day.  Tip:  Be sure to add it as a “kids” account to limited what they have access to!

With the start of a new school year, there are also lots of opportunities for learning, here are some examples for the Big Kids in your house!

Have a great school year! 
 

Disclosure: Yay! I am part of the Netflix stream team (#StreamTeam) and have received product and a subscription to Netflix in exchange for writing monthly posts.  Already a huge Netflix fan, this is a pretty sweet deal!