Screen time. A controversial topic that most people (especially those with kids) have an opinion on. In a world that is inundated with screens, I’m trying to find an appropriate and safe place for them with my kids.

When my youngest son was around 1.5 years old, he realized he enjoyed looking at photos of himself on phones. Initially, I thought it was a cute and harmless behavior because he was simply looking at family pictures but then he began gravitating towards phones constantly. Although he didn’t use screens THAT often, it was still disturbing to see my little boy drop whatever toy he had for an electronic device and start swiping like a teenager. And then it was even more disturbing to see the meltdown that took place when the phone was taken away.

I began educating myself regarding the potential risks of screen time in children and was appalled to see the data. Firstly, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that children under 2 years old should have no screen time and children ages 2-12 should limit their screen time to 1 hour daily. Additionally, excessive screen time has been linked to impaired ability to focus and concentrate, increased risk of obesity, impaired social skills and emotional development, behavior problems including hyperactivity and attention issues, and sleep disturbances. And while I do believe there is a time and place for screens, these little machines are ruining us and our children.

So I decided to make some changes in our house and I have been so amazed with the outcomes. I completely stopped allowing my children to look at cell phones (we don’t own tablets or Ipads) and I do not allow other people to give my children their phones to use. After a short period of time “detoxing” from screens as an entertainment form, my oldest son who is almost 3 years old is a different kid. He doesn’t even acknowledge phones anymore, he has less outbursts and his mood is so much happier.

While some may call this extreme, I do not care. As a parent, it is my job to do what I believe is in the best interest of my children. And from experience, this is 100% in my children’s best interest. There is nothing that a cell phone, Ipad or tablet provide that my nearly 1 and 3 year old boys need to see. Instead, they need to be running around outside, getting dirty, playing with their toys, climbing on rocks and learning how to interact with other people.

Now, all this being said, there are some circumstances when I do allow very intentional screen time. Most afternoons I put on a low stimulation and often semi-educational show for my son to watch during lunch. It helps him relax before naptime after a morning of playing, subtly teaches him and gives me some time to prepare lunch and pick up around house.

Another occasion we allow screen time is during a new family tradition that I’ve been waiting my whole motherhood for… family movie night! We recently started movie night once a week with my older son after the baby goes to sleep. We snuggle together in our bed, have special drinks (usually an old fashion for Mom and Dad and a milk for my son) and watch a Disney movie each week. My son gets so excited and really thrives on some one-on-one time with Mom and Dad. It’s become a special night that we all look forward to.

Ultimately, parenthood is hard, we all have different priorities and you have to do what works best for your family. One day I’m sure my kids will be more involved in screens… they likely won’t have a choice with the way our world is going… but, right now, this is what works for us.

Love, Jessica