Parenting is hard, parenting with ADHD even more so. Add distracting technology and limiting screen time seems impossible. We know, we’ve been there with our own kids. Luckily, we discovered (through plenty of trial and error) strategies we wish we’d known earlier.
Most kids find it hard to avoid excessive gaming, social media and other digital distractions. Kids with ADHD, we soon learnt, found it even tougher. Our kids were more ‘tech savvy’ than us, but that didn’t mean they knew how to manage their screen time.
We had critical life experience, maturity and judgement that provided guidance our kids needed. All we had to do was impart that knowledge to them. We tried everything: marble jars, reminder lists, timers. In fact, we actually ended up working with ADHD experts to create a software solution called Habyts.
In the meantime, we discovered 32 screen time strategies to empower parents (and help them avoid some of our mistakes along the way).
We could give you all 32 strategies at once, but we don't want to overwhelm you.
So come back and visit us daily to find more strategies that can work for you or follow us on Facebook.
BUILD A FAMILY PLAN THAT GOES BEYOND SHORT-TERM FIXES
Our first #TameTechTogether Tip in honour of ADHD Awareness Month 2018!
First you must identify your own motivations for setting screen time limits. For example, to create a richer family life, teach your kids good life habits, etc.
Your day-to-day tactics may change, but when you hit resistance from your kids, this initial deeper goal will give you the confidence to continue.
#TameTechTogether today by starting with a small achievable win.
Make the initial rules so easy that your child cannot fail. This gives them the confidence to give it a go, rather than say no to you outright.
So rather than ‘no screen time before homework’, why not start with ‘only 15 minutes screen time before 30 minutes homework’. Slow and steady wins the race.
If you want to #TameTechTogether, start with your child’s screen time issue.
This will help you identify the right screen time routine.
For example, if homework distractions are an issue, you may decide to implement a ‘Weekend Only’ or ‘Homework First’ screen time routine.
If homework IS an issue, download our free guide on how to manage screen time and schoolwork effectively.
Kick off the tech talk with your child using questions and #TameTechTogether!
❓ Questions like: “What do you like to do online?” and “What rules do you think would be good?”
Let your child be heard and they’ll give you some useful insights. If you want a bit more guidance on how to have the screen time talk, have a read of this blog.
#TameTechTogether by laying out the immediate benefits of a screen time routine.
From a child’s perspective, these may include:
getting parents off their back
gaining more independence to manage their devices
having the potential to earn more screen time and privileges.
We know it’s tough, but it’s time to cut back on your own screen time. Not surprisingly, kids accept new rules more easily when parents have to follow them as well.
If you want to #TameTechTogether, you need to motivate your kids with an app that lets them earn points for doing tasks which unlock rewards.
This could be anything from bonus screen time to a non-digital reward agreed with your child.
The most important thing is to acknowledge when they get their screen time behaviour right! The more positive reinforcement, the more likely they are to continue!
When your kids kick up a fuss (and they will), just listen. Chances are, once tempers have cooled, you can refine your screen time routine to help ease tensions.
