“The key is to teach them how to be safe with technology because ultimately, we want our children to be in charge of technology, rather than feeling technology is in charge of them.”
But there is a fifth – and frequently overlooked – step to this process. Namely, preparing to accept temporary setbacks and celebrate shared wins together.
Positively managing screen time doesn’t just happen overnight. There are emotions and behaviours to address alongside the screen time routine.
And that’s the subject of today’s post.
Don’t take it Personally
Because kids LOVE to test their parents.
And this is especially true when setting boundaries around screen time.
Chances are they’ve grown up with screen time and see it as their right.
So naturally, they’ll go on the defensive at the thought of losing something they cherish.
But positioned right, they’re not really losing anything.
In fact, they’re set to gain a great deal.
Parents know their kids will benefit from limiting their screen time.
But kids just aren’t mature enough to be guided by adult motivations and perspectives.
They just don’t see it our way.
So how you respond can make all the difference.
Learn to manage your emotions and don’t take it personally.
For better or worse, they will follow your lead.
But we must avoid the emotional response at all costs – even when we are about to lose it.
“Stop, Drop (whatever your agenda is at that moment) and Breathe…You can still set limits with your child. Once you calm down, you’ll be able to connect before you correct, so you can calm the storm instead of making things worse. (No, you don’t look weak. You look like someone who can manage her anger. You’re the role model, remember?)”
– Laura Markham
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Sure, there will be stumbling blocks along the way (we certainly had our fair share) – but that’s OK.
It’s all part of the experiment ethos (and natural learning process).
Over time – as kids and screen time limits become routine – resistance and tantrums will lessen.
After each win, you and your child will be able to take on the next specific goal with greater confidence and mutual trust.
And once tempers have cooled, these refinements are the perfect opportunity to sit down with your kids to discuss improvements and adjustments.
Just be sure to agree them together BEFORE putting them into practice.
Failing Foward
“Scientific discovery is based on the principle of learning from failures, identifying what doesn’t work — without judgment — so that we can decipher what does work.”
So fail forward by using these mistakes as stepping stones to build good habits.
That’s the last break-out post on “Preparing your kids for Screen Time Success”.
Now that you know how to prepare you kids, go forth and EXPERIMENT!
Remember, there really are no right and wrongs.
Continual step-by-step progress towards achieving your screen time goals as a family is key.
In other words…
“MOTIVATION is what gets you started. HABIT is what keeps you going.”
– Jim Ryun
Did you make changes to your screen time routine on the journey? How long did it take your kids to adjust? We’d love to hear more in the comments below.
RELATED: Like what you're reading? Get your FREE Guide: How to Prepare Your Kids for a Screen Routine...that Works for YOUR Family!