A new law in Sweden prohibits children under the age of 2 from having mobile devices, and recommends children from 2-18 spend 1 to 3 hours per day on screens. In today’s modern world, we use screens a lot. We have phones, tablets, and TVs all around us. Many parents give screens to their kids to keep them busy, like in the car at a restaurant, or when they are crying. But experts worry that too much screen time can be bad for young kids. It might make it hard for them to pay attention, learn to talk, or socialize properly. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health recently shared early findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. This study is tracking over 11,000 children aged 9 and 10 across the United States. In December, study director Dr. Gaya Dowling discussed the results on CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
The key findings so far are:
- MRI scans showed significant changes in the brains of some children who use smartphones, tablets, and video games for more than seven hours a day.
- Children who spent more than two hours a day on screens scored lower on tests that measured thinking and language skills.
We can’t get rid of screens completely, but we should try to balance it with other fun stuff. Doing things that make kids think, be creative, and move around can help make up for too much screen time.
Outdoor Adventures
Getting your kids outside is one of the best ways to cut down on screen time. Stuff like hiking, biking, or just taking a stroll in the park can wake up their senses and give them some good exercise. Exploring the outdoors lets kids learn about nature, see all kinds of animals, and start liking being outside. Whether it’s a family trip or a spontaneous adventure, spending time outdoors means there’s always something new to discover and lots of fun to be had.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are great and stimulating for nurturing creativity and fine motor skills. Set aside a specific area at home stocked with supplies like paper, crayons, markers, glue, and scissors. Encourage your children to unleash their imagination through drawing or painting on Christian coloring books for children, or creating simple projects. Engaging in arts and crafts not only fosters creativity but also improves problem-solving skills as children work out how to bring their ideas to life.
Cooking Together
Getting your kids involved in the kitchen can be both fun and educational. Cooking together helps them learn about different ingredients, measurements, and the cooking process. It’s a hands-on activity that also encourages healthy eating habits. Start with simple recipes like baking cookies, making sandwiches, or preparing fruit salads. Cooking together not only keeps them away from screens but also gives them a sense of achievement when they see (and taste) the results of their efforts.
Reading Time
Developing a daily reading habit is a wonderful way to foster a love for literature and limit screen time. Selecting books that match your children’s age and capture their interest, whether it’s a vibrant picture book for young ones or a compelling chapter book for older children, can make all the difference. Reading together boosts language skills, enhances focus, and sparks creativity. Make reading a special occasion by setting up a cozy reading corner or visiting the library to discover new books.
Board Games and Puzzles
Classic board games and Bible story jigsaw puzzles offer endless entertainment while also boosting cognitive development. Games like chess, Scrabble, or Monopoly can teach strategic thinking, math skills, and patience. Puzzles, on the other hand, improve problem-solving abilities and hand-eye coordination. Setting aside time for family game nights not only reduces screen exposure but also strengthens family bonds.
Gardening
Gardening is a great way for kids to learn about taking care of things and how plants grow. Whether you have a big garden or just a few pots on your porch, getting your kids involved in planting seeds, watering plants, and watching them grow can be really fun. Gardening also helps them learn about nature, healthy eating (if you’re growing veggies), and why it’s important to take care of the Earth.
Music and Dance
Promoting musical and dance activities for children is an enjoyable strategy to engage them actively and limit screen time. Participation in musical activities, including instrumental play, singing, and spontaneous dancing, can elevate mood and vitality. Furthermore, these activities serve as effective means for children to hone self-expression and self-assurance. It is advisable to consider enrolling them in structured music classes or arranging periodic dance gatherings at home to institutionalize this practice.
Building and Construction Toys
Toys such as Lego, building blocks, and model kits are great for getting kids involved in hands-on play. These toys promote creativity, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills as children work out how to construct structures or models. Building and construction toys can keep kids engaged for hours, enabling them to concentrate on creating something real rather than staring at a screen.
Storytelling and Role-Playing
Engaging in storytelling and role-playing activities empowers children to unleash their creativity and venture into various make-believe worlds. Encourage your kids to craft their own narratives or reenact scenes from their beloved books or films. Join in the fun by taking on different characters, turning it into a cooperative and engaging experience. This kind of play not only reduces screen time but also enriches language abilities and fosters social development.
Including these activities in a daily routine can reduce your children’s screen time and promote healthier and more stimulating entertainment options. By encouraging creativity, physical activity, and family interaction, you can help your children develop skills that will benefit them far beyond their early years. While screens may be a part of modern life, finding a balance through meaningful activities can lead to a more well-rounded and enriching childhood experience.