Screen time and kids is a hot topic these days, and it’s often accompanied by feelings of guilt, overwhelm, and fear.
I believe that the topic of technology and kids should be surrounded with feelings of hope and excitement. There is so much good that can come BECAUSE of technology. You, as a parent, have the opportunity to use screens in a way that strengthens your relationship with your kids.
How Does Parent Screen Time Affect Children?
Research shows that the way you as a parent interact with media (how much time you spend on screens, the type of content you consume, etc.) will have a bigger impact than anything else on the way your kids interact with media.
In his book Media Maze: Unconventional Wisdom for Guiding Children Through Media, children and media researcher Eric Rasmussen teaches:
“Research shows that the biggest predictor of children’s media use is parents’ media use.”
You as a parent have the exciting opportunity to help your children develop a healthy relationship with technology simply by improving your own. If you want to be more intentional about your media use, sign up below to create a personalized media plan that will help you make super simple changes.
Align your phone use with your values
6 Steps to Avoid Wasting Time on Your Phone
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10 Ways to Use Screens to Connect with Your Child
1. Have a dance party together
Use your phone or any other device to play some music and dance your hearts out.
2. Learn a new skill together
One of the best parts about living in this world of technology is that you have easy access to learning new things. YouTube and Skillshare are both awesome places to learn anything from cake decorating to animation.
3. Watch a show together
Watching a show together could look like having a family movie night, joining your child to watch their favorite TV show, or watching a funny YouTube video on your phone.
4. Look at pictures on your phone
I have started doing this with Mr. B and we both love it. We look through pictures on my camera roll and talk about people we love and fun memories.
5. Video call someone together
Tech-Wise Littles has some great tips on how to make video calls effective for young kids.
6. Turn on a show for your child to watch so you can get a break
There is often a stigma with using screens as a babysitter, but, if you are intentional about it, screens can be an awesome tool to help you as a parent get a break so that you can be MORE present and MORE connected when you are with your child.
7. Make a movie
Some of my most magical childhood memories are making movies with my friends, siblings, and cousins. It doesn’t have to be complex or long– just choose a plot, pull out your phone, and start filming. You can even add costumes if you’re feeling really adventurous.
8. Create a post together
Invite your child to help you create a post to share on Instagram. Use this time to teach them about the purpose of social media and how to be mindful of the way they use it.
9. Do a workout video together
Mr. B is only 1, but he loves dancing with me whenever I put on a workout video. You could do anything from yoga to Zumba.
10. Use funny filters
Laugh together as you use the Instagram story filters to make your faces look funny.
Conclusion
The way you use screens as a parent has a huge impact on your kids (even when you don’t think they are even watching).
As you are intentional with your screens they can be an awesome tool to help you connect with your kids and strengthen your relationship with them.
These are just 10 ways you can use screens to strengthen your relationship with your child. Choose one to try today!
