Tips to Reduce Screen Time of Your Kids

Studies have shown that kids below 6 years of age spend nearly two hours in front of the screen including TV and videos. The number of hours is nearly 7 in the case of children between 8 and 18. This includes both all media. Children, irrespective of their age are prone to spend too much time on screen in different ways. This is leading to serious health problems. It potentially interferes with their physical and mental growth. They get exposed to many kinds of threats. Their social life is hampered and they often end up being depressed and lonely. For all these reasons, it is important to keep your children's screen time in check. Many applications like mspy help parents in monitoring and controlling their children's online activities. These help you in observing their activities without letting them know. However, you also need to take other steps to cut down on their screen time. Here are some tips which can help you in dealing with these issues.

• Lead by example

This is the best way to start your efforts. Children are more likely to imitate what they see you doing. If they see you reading books most of the time, they will possibly read too. If you watch TV or stay on your phone, your children will do the same. So, make sure that you practice what you preach to your kids. Set an example for them to follow. 

• Take firm decisions

Most parents these days like to be friendly with their kids. While this is a good choice to be close to them, sometimes you need to be the parent too. You have to take tough decisions like strictly reducing their screen time. You have to put restrictions on TV or may need to take away their mobile phones at night. 

• Encourage outdoor activities

Encourage your activities to participate in other activities. Motivate them to play outdoor games and socialize. Make an effort to get them involved with other children and make friends. This will keep them physically active and mentally healthy.

• Involve yourself in their life

This is a great way to keep your kids away from the screen. Spend time with them. Talk to them and observe them. This also keeps you aware of what is happening in your children's life. They feel connected and come to you for all their problems and also for celebrations.

• Play along

This is an excellent way to develop your children's interest in outdoor games. You should start it at a younger age. Take your kids to the park and play with them with balls or take a small race with them. This can be a bit tiring for you initially. But when your kids hit their teens, you will be glad that you did this.

• Be vigilant about any behavioral changes

Television, online games, and social media have an immediate and strong impact on children's minds. Too much involvement in these activities makes them impatient, aggressive, and self-centered. If you see such behavioral changes in your children, consider it as an alarm and act immediately.

• Value family time

Encourage your children for eating dinner together with the family or take them for a family drive on the weekend. These activities help in diverting their attention from the screen and spend quality time with their family members.