How to Get Your Kids to Love Screen Time Limits & Screen Free Weekends

Are you battling with your child over screen time? If so, you're not alone. There are thousands of parents who are either constantly battling to draw their children away from the screens or who want to help their kids love screen time limits and screen-free weekends. The problem is that many do not know how to get started on this journey. They often feel like their parenting efforts are going unrewarded. If you are struggling with this issue, as one of the best Screen Time Coaching Clinics in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, we can help.

The secret to defeating screen time battles lies in some simple strategies anyone can implement at home.

Create a Schedule

When we decide where to allow a block of screen time, we consider two main factors: First, your kid's screen time might be the privilege that comes after when their homework, chores, or other tasks are done.

Second, when creating a structure for your kids, try selecting a time that will not have any drawbacks. For example, you and your children should not watch TV or use laptops, phones, or tablets for at least 30 minutes before bed, as the blue light from these devices delays the production of melatonin and may make it difficult to sleep.

Reduce Your Own Technology Use

Before enforcing rules around technology on your kids, it would be better if you looked at your own screen time habits. Make sure you model healthy screen time habits and limit your own use of technology when you are with your children. Although it is easier said than done, our children truly learn best by watching us.

If you keep a TV on all the time or browse your phone whenever you have a spare moment, you may not be modeling the screen-related behavior you want for your children.

Make memories with your family on "Screen Free Saturday" by leaving your devices at home.

Create "Technology-Free Zones"

Make sure you set up areas in your house where electronics, such as cell phones, handheld video games, and laptops, are strictly prohibited. The dining room or kitchen in your home might be a good place to set aside for family meals and conversations.

Create a list of non-screen activities you'd like to do with your family. Such as making a yummy healthy snack or cooking dinner as a family.

Observe their screen time habits

Make sure you pay attention to where they spend most of their screen time. Try to emphasize making the most of that time. What do they play? How do they play? Are they using technology in interesting ways? The same applies to you: are you interestingly playing with technology as well, or are you just endlessly browsing Facebook or Instagram? If so, maybe it's time for a change.

Or perhaps having a technology-free weekend—where there are no screens of any kind—might be the ideal option. The goal is not necessarily a weekend without tech, but rather a weekend focused on life away from tech.

Conclusion

If you are going to try and battle screen time with your children, be prepared for some challenges. Setting clear boundaries for children and effective rules is always important, and most parents know this. It can be difficult to be consistent when it comes to setting rules, but if you can consistently enforce your rules with empathy and respect, you will likely have a much easier time dealing with screen time issues.

Get in touch with Phreedom Foundation, the best Screen Time Coaching initiative in Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin. We give expert advice on how to cut back screen time and get your life back.