How to manage screen time for your kids this summer

Managing screen time for kids has always been a hot topic for us as parents. I’m pretty sure were in the conservative minority, at the same time, we don’t ban all movie / show watching! We just believe in careful management.

Our policy is screen time needs to be purposeful, planned, and productive. Flipping through channels mindlessly is not allowed for our kids (we even avoid it ourselves). We follow the AAP recommendation of no screen time until age two, but now our three year old enjoys watching the occasional “dee-vee-DEEEeee!” about tractors, trains, or ABC’s.

Here’s how we manage screen time:

1. We carefully select and preview every video. Having a roster of “approved” shows ensures there’s no debate, no parental hemming and hawing about whether something is okay to watch or not.

2. We don’t keep a large DVD collection. Shelves of movies would lead to constant “I want to watch TV!” moments. Instead, we’ve tried streaming or downloadable videos to find content we feel comfortable showing our son, and bring that content out at times we feel it’s appropriate.

3. We make use of parent controls. Right now this involves just keeping the remotes on top of the TV armoir, and closing/locking the cabinet! Heh! I think digital controls will come into play as he gets older, but even at three and a half, my son knows how to turn on the TV or slide in a DVD.

Managing screen time becomes even more important as kids get older and make independent viewing choices. Now is the time to teach them to balance digital entertainment and select quality content. I think balancing the many options available in a digital age is key to using digital entertainment in a positive and productive way.

How do you manage screen time in your family?