How Can I Reduce My Children's Screen Time?

7 Ways to keep your kids busy that don't involve technology

1. Lead by example and avoid being glued to your phone

Remember that you are your child’s first role model, so if they see you slumped on the sofa all day, binge-watching episodes upon episodes, they will end up believing that there is no other way to overcome boredom. As a parent, your role is to awaken your child’s curiosity, to show them that the world is bigger than a 47” screen. If they see you doing hands-on activities, cross words, be sure that they will follow suit and will “do what mum and dad do”.

2. Turn them into a Michelin-starred chef

Cracking eggs, dipping your hands in dough, going hunting for lumps… and of course licking the spoon by way of reward: what child doesn’t like doing that? Whatever the recipe, you can always turn your child into your little assistant. Enough to teach them new flavors, review the cooking calculations and conversions depending on their age, give them responsibilities, all whilst creating lovely memories!

> I'm a woman who doesn't want kids; so what?

3. Awaken the artist within them

Why not try and make your child a future rock star by getting them to listen to music (or by giving them an instrument if you have one to hand)? Then, when my ears are overwhelmed, I can move on to calmer, more hands-on activities which are just as fun. Simple to carry out, cheap, it’s a good way to keep occupied whilst developing their creativity. DIY workshops, making decorative objects, there’s so much to do! Not to mention the timeless salt dough, or edible paintings for the food lovers…

4. Get the board games back out of the cupboard

Perfect if you’ve got several children and want to take advantage of their game of Monopoly in order to make working from home easier. If not, it will provide an opportunity to share a nice moment with the family. Times up for the miming experts, Cluedo for the budding detectives… everyone should get something out of it.

5. Give them a taste for reading

Whether it’s a love story, a non-fiction about animals, or simply a compilation of pleasant images, a book has a lot to teach a child. There are so many subjects that might interest them, so awaken their curiosity, get them to go on vicarious journeys, encourage them to learn… A book impacts less on the nervous system than a screen, enriches their vocabulary and improves their sleep quality! Library 1 – PS4 nil.

6. Encourage them to do sport

If you have a garden, it will be very simple. But those living in an apartment should not be discouraged; the Internet is brimming with ideas of possible activities to do at home. In this respect, screens are allowed since your little nipper is fidgeting, roaming around and wasting their energy.

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7. Help them maintain their social life

Because what children are missing the most during this period is their friends. A phone is not considered a screen if it is brought to your ear, so use it to your heart’s content! They could call their friends, their grandparents, their cousins, all the people your child would be happy to talk to about their day (which would be even more interesting if it isn’t just spent in front of the TV). We’ve come full circle.

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