With summer right around the corner and the weather finally warming up, it’s time to get the kiddos out of the house and away from the TV. If you have a little one who’s glued to their TV screen or can’t seem to detach from their video games, try out one of these tips to help reduce kids’ screen time this summer.
3 ways to reduce screen time:
1. Keep meals media-free.
We’ve all done it. We turn the TV on during dinner time to keep the little ones happy and occupied so you can get a bite in as well. Not only does this take away from quality family time, but it also teaches kids to value what is on a screen over what’s right in front of them. Don’t get us wrong, every once and a while you should definitely have a classic TV meal, just not every day!
2. Set screen time limits.
Setting screen time limits it the perfect way to get your kids into a routine. Instead of telling them they can play on the iPad, tell them that they have 30 minutes and then they have to put it away. According to a study done by exercise physiology experts, the recommended amount of screen time for kids, by age, per day is:
- < 2 years old: no screen time
- 2 – 4 years old: less than an hour
- 5 – 13 years old: no more than two hours
3. Remember active play before passive play.
Getting kids to reduce their screen time means promoting active play before passive play! This means making anything with a screen (iPad, tablet, video games, TVs) off-limits until they do some type of physical activity. With the weather getting nicer, encourage them to do something outside like riding a bike, playing tag in the backyard, or getting a group of friends together for an intense game of kickball.
The best way to reduce screen time and get the kids moving? Spending the day bouncing at Monkey Joe’s! Walk-ins are always welcome, so turn off the TV, load the kids up, and swing on over for a day full of play for one low price.
