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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think the key is to program enough activities so that there’s not so much independent down time where they might be on screens. [/quote]

That's what a lot of parents do.
I disagree, though.

Have scheduled activities, yes, but not too many. It's important for kids to have ample independent downtime where screens are not an option.

Every kid is different. Some do okay with screens 15-30 minutes a day. Mine doesn't. They have trouble transitioning off screens and do better with all or nothing instead of moderation. So we do most days 0 screens and then random days here or there where I turn off the screentime controls and they have access all day or half a day, however much time we're around. Sometimes they use a couple hours on a game and that's okay. Rarely do they spend the whole day but it's their choice. I think only once they watched like several Harry Potter movies in a row and said they felt like a zombie afterwards.

We schedule at least one screen day like this a month so they can schedule friends to join on a game or so FaceTime. Occasionally plans will change (like a friend will cancel a playdate) and they get a bonus screen day out of the blue. But 90 percent of the time they are occupying themselves with activities they choose like books, Legos, crafts, piano, playing outside, taking care of the dog, riding skateboards, building forts, etc. If they are bored I have a big list of chores. So they are rarely bored![/quote]

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