Mainly, I'm thinking of phones and tablets. My DH and I both get really disturbed when we see kids who can't even walk yet but can operate smartphones and tablets like old pros. And not only do they know how to use them, they're as addicted as I am! Ideally, we'd like for our kids to not even know what these things are until they're quite a bit older, I'd say at least 3. It seems really difficult to raise an "unplugged" kid, though! We plan on using them as little as possible in LO's presence and keeping them in inaccessible places, but I don't know if that's enough. Does anyone here keep these devices away from your kids completely? Any tips for doing it and sticking to it?
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We don't keep them away completely.... but it's pretty rare that LO gets to look at the phone. DH has an app on there for her, it's a coloring app. We use it in emergencies, like on a plane. The main thing she likes to do is look at pictures that we've taken. We do that while cutting her nails, or those times when we're exhausted and just want to sit. We do have a no phones at the table rule, especially at restaurants. I'd rather get up and walk around with her to entertain her.
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Yes, we do. Well, not from Ellie, who is six, but she had no media whatsoever until age 3.5. The biggest key is to model what you expect, so that means making your own useage conform to a level that doesn't encourage over-use. At our house, Ellie is allowed to spend points on media. She has a weekly limit of four hours, and a maximum of 1.5/day (but when it's gone, it's gone). She may use the time to play developmentally appropriate games on her Leap Pad, the PBS Kids website, or watch something on Netflix or a video that we own. We reserve the right to limit type of show, etc. If Lorelei is awake, Ellie has to watch in the computer room. I use my tablet/computer during Lorelei's nap or when the girls are down for the night, except for rare occasions. It is definitely hard to keep up with when we are out and about, though. I hate how doctor's offices, restaurants, (and even the gas station!!!) have ambient media. I try to steer the kids towards other things. It's certainly do-able. I feel like the girls have better relationships with us for being less plugged-in, and that it affects the emotional health of the whole household in positive ways, for the most part. Lorelei is almost 17 months and has been totally media-free. I don't know that you really need to keep them inaccessible... we never have, but it's just always been really clear what their place/role in our life is. Hope that helps!
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We are hoping to keep D as tech-free as possible for as long as possible. So first things first, I need to start watching how much I'm using my phone! After that....well, I'll be following this for some tips and suggestions, too!!
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We are tech free with the girls. The only screen time is Sesame Street before bed for Lala, and we limit that to less than 4 hours/wk.
I am also going on a media diet (phone) and will be putting it on the charger when I get home and not picking it up again until girls are ready for bed.
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@Mrs. Jacks: how can you be unplugged from your phone? Aren't you on call most of the time?
I'm not as disturbed as you are about it but I am too attached to my phone. I'm thinking I need a basket or something where my phone goes when I come home! Or maybe it should just go into the bedroom. And that's that.
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We try very hard to. I limit DVDs to when I am solo parenting and need to put baby to sleep and not worry about toddler getting into trouble and we only pull out the ipad during travel (otherwise it stays in DH's office which is off-limits). Our computers we only use when the kids are sleeping but we have to make an exception for Skype because we are SO far way from family. The hardest part is with our phones because sometimes I pull it out to take a picture or I have it with me to use for white noise for the baby and then my toddler wants to play with it. So basically we're trying but not perfect by any means.
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we aren't in love with the whole 'kids being addicted to tablets" thing either. Our pediatrician just mentioned this last week about how we should not give her tablets to play with and should try more open ended toys.
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We are working on our phones and computers. We have a family tablet that we use for Skype and for Caillou episodes, but LO probably uses it 2-3x a week at the most for a short period of time. I think the biggest problem for us is our phones.
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@locavore_mama: I am trying really hard (only recently) to unplug as best as I can while home. All calls that I need to respond to come through my pager, which I leave on audible and in a basket near the front door. Anyone who really needs me will page me during my off hours
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9 comments