Many parents complain that they just cannot get their kids off the tablets and cellular phones even though they are at such a tender age. The toddlers are just plain hooked.
The truth is that we operate in a digital environment and as such these devices are magnets to their tiny hands. In fact, when it is not one device it is another. However, many experts have outlined the dangers of prolonged sessions on these devices. Damage to the eyes is one of the main concerns from too much screen time even though the internet provides a wealth of knowledge and entertainment for the children.
Therefore, while parents instil healthy limits many still search for cost effective, safe and viable options to engage their kids and lessen screen time.
Nature Walks
Taking a walk outside when the weather is great can be extremely beneficial to kids. It can help in improving their knowledge of the physical world while keeping them healthy and strong.
Nature walks can assist in promoting a healthy lifestyle from a very early age and also encourages an appreciation for nature in these young minds. So, children are learning as they enjoy a stroll outside.
Artwork
Another interesting way to lure children away from the lengthy hours on these devices is to get them involved in Art work. Painting and preparing collages will keep the toddlers very busy for quite some time. They will be engaged in discovery learning as well as they explore different colours while creating art.
Displaying these pieces around the house is always the icing on the cake. Drawing will help them to improve their creativity and serve as a form of expression for the kids. Having the kids design and create things will give them the opportunity to work with their hands and many of them may even unearth their talents.
Beach Day
Who doesn’t love a good beach day? Well for persons who live close to the beach it is a great opportunity to keep the kids engaged. For those a little farther it may require a little driving which can be another adventure for the family.
At the beach they can swim, build sand castles and have simple picnics and no doubt they will enjoy just playing in the water. This provides the children with the opportunity to keep fit and spend a day with family all at the same time. This is one good opportunity to spend time bonding as a family.
Outdoor Games
A good game of football or any other outdoor game can also do the trick in reducing screen time. Taking kids outside to play games is also an exciting activity which is also healthy for the children. They will reap all the benefits such as exercise and all that play has to offer in terms of their growth.
Improving their muscle strength and advanced motor skills are two such advantages. Furthermore, they will be exposed to some of the skills aligned with the different games.
A Trip to the Park
A trip to the park exposes children to so many things; it is always an adventure. Children can interact with other children allowing them to improve their social skills. Again, going to the park can benefit the children mentally and physically as well.
It does help that many parks are free so there is no huge financial cost attached which makes it an even more feasible activity. This is yet another family-oriented activity that will also allow parents and guardians to meet other persons and share their journey of parenting which benefits the entire family.
Therefore, there are several activities that kids can get engaged in to monitor their screen time thus preventing the harm that comes with lengthy screen time.
Trips to the park, games, beach trips and art are some ways that children can be entertained that are very beneficial to their development and can assist in monitoring screen time.
Kalehia Johnson