Summer is coming, and we all know that sometimes it’s a fight to get the kids off the screens and outside into some fresh air. Is it worth the fight? Absolutely! So use this summer screen time checklist printable to help you manage your kids’ screen time, and maybe even take some of the struggle out of it.
Too much screen time for children has been linked to poorer vision, worse sleep and even other physical issues like obesity! Doctors say that kids spend, on average, up to 7 hours per day on a screen of some kind, between television, tablets, video games and computers. And with distance education, it’s even worse.
So get your kids off the screens and onto some healthier activities, inside or out. Not only will you see better physical health, but better mental health too.
>> See more health worksheets for kids
Recommended Books About Limiting Screen Time
What’s wrong with screens anyway? Parents spend a lot of time on screens ourselves. We love our social media and video games. We have work meetings. And there’s research, online shopping and connecting with others via email and instant messenger to do too. So why shouldn’t our kids be on screens?
Learn more about the use of screen-based activities for kids with one of the books on our recommended reading list. There’s a serious effect it has on their growing brains. And get tips on how to better manage your family’s use of technology with some of these books too.
Screen Time: How Electronic Media–From Baby Videos to Educational Software–Affects Your Young Child
Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-TimeThe Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real LifeScreenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital WorldRaising a Screen-Smart Kid: Embrace the Good and Avoid the Bad in the Digital Age
When parents manage kids’ screen time better, kids have an improved quality of life. They sleep better, get better grades, tend to be less aggressive and tend to have better physical health. All it takes is the habit of regular monitoring, discussion and even restriction.
Sometimes, it’s easy to fall into the habit of letting our kids watch screens way more than is healthy for them. After all, there’s a huge educational component to screen time. Between learning shows, games that help them practice their problem-solving skills, and being able to research all the questions they have on their own, kids can learn a lot on their tablets and TVs.
And really, it’s an easy way to keep them occupied. Screens tend to keep down the mess, keep them from fighting with each other, and keep them from being underfoot. Who wants to mess with the few minutes of peace we get to just sit and drink our coffee?
Different Methods to Manage Screen Time
We do need to manage their screen time, so finding a method that works for your family maybe the key. From automated solutions that restrict how long and when certain devices are accessible, to digital timers or paper-based trackers, there’s a method for every family.
One way to manage your kids’ screen time is with this summer screen time checklist. Having your kids complete other activities before they get access to screens might be a way to keep them from getting into trouble, both on and off the screen.
Circle Home Plus (2nd Gen) | Parental Controls – Internet & Mobile Devices | Works on Wifi, Android & iOS Devices | Control Apps, Set Screen Time Limits, Block & Filter Content | LIFETIME SubscriptionBOB – Screen Time Manager – Manage Your TV Time & Video Game TimeScreen Time Tracker Log Book: Prevent Tech Addiction by Balancing Digital And Real Life For Kids, Teens and Adults. Brainstorm Screen-Free Activities … for Digital Detox. (Digital Detox Journals)
If you’re ready for a change in how your family manages screen time, then grab this free printable. Improve your kids’ health with the summer screen time checklist.
Leave a Reply