Do You Often Worry About Your Child’s Screen Time? You Are Not Alone!
Do you often worry about your child’s screen time? You are not alone!
According to PEW research Center 71% of parents with a child under the age of 12 say they are at least somewhat concerned their child might spend too much time in front of screens. With tablets, computers, TVs, phones, and video games, there are so many opportunities for screen time. Some families have found that establishing rules regarding screen time helps them from having a constant battle of making case-by-case decisions and drastically reduces the resistance their kids show to these limits.
Did you know?
1 in 4 kids think video games are exercise - According to the Youth Sport Trust Charity’s Class of 2035 report which explores the role of PE, sport, and physical activity play in the development of future generations.
On average, children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.
Roughly 7-in-10 parents (68%) say they are at least sometimes distracted by their smartphone when spending time with their kids. Screen time is not just an issue for kids!
A research study found that evening light exposure suppressed melatonin twice as much in children compared to adults.
“The earlier we introduce screens, the more it affects the child’s brain development and the more likely they will have trouble managing their addiction to screens and technology later in life.” – Dr Laura Markham, Aha! Parenting
As a Gentle Sleep Coach, I am often asked questions regarding screen time and its many effects on sleep. Most of our favorite devices produce blue light which suppresses the production of melatonin (the hormone responsible for sleepiness) and in turn disrupts our natural sleep-wake cycle. It is important to turn off the devices at least 2 hours before bedtime and naps. Setting screen time limits can have tremendous effects on your child’s overall health and, of course, sleep.
It can be a struggle to navigate setting rules and boundaries around screen use. My hope is with the research to back it up, you are able to establish screen time limits that work for YOUR family. Offering alternatives to screen time or having it be something kids can earn can be great to avoid the conflict.
If you want to know the details of the age and stage requirements and alternative activities that are just as easy for your kid to enjoy you want to download this guide.
>>>Know Your Options - Daily Screentime Limits for Your Child<<<
If after reading this guide there are still confusion and questions, remember I am always here to help. You can schedule a time to talk live with me about your unique situation.
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
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