Screen time
Moms:
Do y'all have certain rules when it comes to technology? DH and I decided our son will have little to no access to technology, at least until he is maybe 3, and then just implement about 30 mins a day of some screen time, or not. I'm told it's unrealistic to expect a child these days to have no access to technology (a girl can hope).
SD8 has a tablet she carries with her all the damn time since she was like 2. And no limits whatsoever. So when she comes over her face is glued to that thing and I dislike it. When at the dinner table, I've had to tell her multiple times that it is disrespectful to use phones or tablets while eating. We don't do it so she shouldn't do it. I've enforced a couple rules in my home, such as: no tablet or TV past 9pm (Saturdays) and only maybe 20 mins at a time. Shes gotten better but still is an issue. When her friends come over to visit her when she's here, the tablet always seems to be the cause of many arguments between them (she doesn't let them play or see too) and she ignores them because her face is glued to it.
Last weekend I told her that I no longer want her to bring it to our home, since she's on it 24/7 at BMs and gmas during the week. No outdoor activities whatsoever, only with us. I feel that I'm not overstepping since it is my home, right? And DS is getting older and more curious so I want to avoid having him around technology so young.
Thoughts?
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Comments
I think it depends on the
I think it depends on the dynamic you and DH have in regards to setting rules for SD. On the surface, no, you have no right or authority to ban the tablet from your home. DH's kid, his problem. However, if you have traditionally parented SD "as a team" and set house rules "as a team", then I think it's reasonable to make this rule WITH your DH.
Ultimately, SD is his kid and he can tell you to pound sand regarding this rule. If you want to keep your DS away from technology, then you need to keep him distracted by other activites. He's a baby/toddler, so he's naturally going to be curious by new things, especially bright things that make noise. Just keep redirecting him elsewhere.
As far as him using a tablet/phone, hold off as long as possble. My niece is 4, and she's absolutely addicted to her damn tablet. If no one is giving her constant attention, that's what she is using to fill in the void.
Well yeah of course I
Well yeah of course I discussed with DH prior to telling SD to leave it at home. He is on board. I am just saying because I know it won't be long before BM starts talking shit lol. I should have specified, my bad. We do a lot of activities with SD when she is here and spend most of the weekend out of the house, so really there is no need for her tablet. I just wanted to know if BM has any right to decide what goes or does go in my household.
I come from a place of “Not
I come from a place of “Not my circus, not my monkeys” when it comes to other people’s biological children and technology.
Skid was given a brand new iPhone at the age of 7-years-old. BM was super excited to gift skid an extra appendage to spy on DH’s parenting time. I cannot count the amount of times I wanted to vomit in my mouth watching her incessantly on it, over dinner out in a restaurant with DH and I, but... not my child.
Our children? They’re 6 and 4. We have limitations when it comes to their tablets. It’s usually allowed during a “quiet time” break during the day for an hour or two, then they’re allowed an hour out two a bedtime, because they go to bed early. Around 7-7:30pm.
Yeah, I wouldn't care either
Yeah, I wouldn't care either tbh, only that my baby is curious and I just want to avoid him being addicted to technology at all costs. I've seen really bad cases of tantrums due to removal of a phone or iPad. And well, it makes us look really bad walking around with a kid who's face is stuck on a screen and being disrespectful while doing so .
Hello Kee-Khe
Hello Kee-Khe
I want to preface this by saying I have worked in IT for the past 29 years. Before there was the Internet and all the IoTs. nd I have to say, with all the "Social MEdia" sites, and smartphone access, it is very diffciult to keep your child safe. In the old days, we would bring our children home and lock the door, and that would keep everyone safe. Now with "technology" people have access to your safe place, inside your lock. And how will you protect your child. Whether your SD or SS, it doesn't matter. If something happens under your watch, then it is on you.
With that said, having access to a smartphone or social media, or any IoTs, a long conversation wiht your child should happen. Having a tablet, phone, etc is a responsibility rather than a luxury. Personally a 2 or 3 year old's mind will be more stimulated in a positive way by reading a book, than on tablet screen. Using a tablet has it's advantages but it only works some parts of the brain. Reading touches more of the brain and uses these parts better than being in front of the tablet. Also the colors on a tablet will affect a childs eyesight.
I think regulating screen time is a good start. Start with 30 min a day. Then have the child read a book for 60 min. But increase the reading in larger increments than the screen time.
Children at that age are too young to be plastered in front tablet screen for a long time doesn't help. It just keeps them busy and quiet for the most part.
Just please be careful with technology. It is a blessing and a curse.
I feel children should be
I feel children should be children. So I prefer no technology at my home. Youre very correct.
But every 20 yo and most adults
There phone is like part of there body. It's attached to there hand. How can you stop kids when most adults are always on there phone.
That phone is going to get attached at some point ( just a fact, personal, not happy with that )