If you relaxed screen time rules during the pandemic, do you have a plan to reintroduce them?

[Anonymous]

We relaxed our screen time limits, which were quite strict, due to distance learning and in part because the only social life the kids are having is basically online. No more playdates or pizza parties, so we've let them stay online a bit more with games and chats to keep up with their friends.

I'm wondering though, what strategies or advice people might have to reverse this? Our school is already back in hybrid mode so the kids are getting some limited social time, and thankfully aren't online 6 hours a day watching Zoom, but I'd like to pare it back a bit more and was curious if anyone has some success stories on how to do it.

[Anonymous]

Yes, just by getting my kids out there to do all the things we used to do. Sports, movies, plays, museums, weekend trips, etc. There's NOTHING to fill the void right now but outdoor exercise and there's only so much of that we can do. Once real life starts again, screen time will naturally diminish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, just by getting my kids out there to do all the things we used to do. Sports, movies, plays, museums, weekend trips, etc. There's NOTHING to fill the void right now but outdoor exercise and there's only so much of that we can do. Once real life starts again, screen time will naturally diminish.

This. But also some of the screen time will probably remain, like the group online games that my kids and their friends play now.

[Anonymous]

We just started to pull back this weekend. There were tears, screams and slamming of doors and that was just the adults.

I think my kids' brains have forgotten how to function without screens. It's going to be a relearning process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, just by getting my kids out there to do all the things we used to do. Sports, movies, plays, museums, weekend trips, etc. There's NOTHING to fill the void right now but outdoor exercise and there's only so much of that we can do. Once real life starts again, screen time will naturally diminish.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, just by getting my kids out there to do all the things we used to do. Sports, movies, plays, museums, weekend trips, etc. There's NOTHING to fill the void right now but outdoor exercise and there's only so much of that we can do. Once real life starts again, screen time will naturally diminish.

+1

+1. We also still distinguish between online hanging out with friends as opposed to watching tv or zoning out on their iPads. The social time is what is replacing sports and Scouts and play dates.

[Anonymous]

We reinstated firm rules again when school started up this Fall. They have online school and then 1 hour max of rec screen time/talking with friends the rest of day. That's it.
They read, play cards/games outside/board games, cook, take care of chores, play their instruments, take music lessons weekly, eat dinner, get exercise, hang out by themselves in their rooms without devices, play with pets, watch the news as a family, read more and then go to bed.
Ages 10 and 13. (Before covid they didn't really use screen during the school week)
Too much screen time was ruining out family life. Enough is enough.

[Anonymous]

I am the PP above. My advice after a long haul with this. Make a clear decision about what you will allow, and when, and both parents are on board together. My kids signed a contract. The kids will complain for awhile if you don't allow them the opportunity then it will subside. You are the parent(s). Act like one, and also be kind and buy some alternate activities that they are interested in pursuing. New books, a new game, something to build...whatever they like to do off screen. Help them regain those parts of themselves.

[Anonymous]

I already discussed it with my kids and told them that as soon as in person school starts up again that we will go back to our regular limits.

[Anonymous]

Huh? Where do you live that things are opening back up now?

[Anonymous]

Well the only way you can do it is if you start allowing in-person hangouts (6 feet apart, or masked). I’m surprised your kids haven’t asked for those already. We are turning our kids into couch potatoes!

[Anonymous]

yes and no. Like other PPs, it will naturally decrease once there are sports practices/etc. But he will also be 18m older than when the pandemic started (figuring the beginning of the next school year) and I won't parent a junior like I did a freshman. He needs to learn to manage his time, set self limits, etc.

[Anonymous]

I think much of your strategy depends on the age of your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well the only way you can do it is if you start allowing in-person hangouts (6 feet apart, or masked). I’m surprised your kids haven’t asked for those already. We are turning our kids into couch potatoes!

We make our kids go jogging, have a kickabout in the park with each other or go for a hike pretty much every other day. It's a precondition before they can play any games.

[Anonymous]

Precovid my kids were always kept busy with sports and church, so I don't think it will be that hard to reintroduce the limits. We simply won't be at the house as much.