Saturday, April 15, 2017

Screens



We've had our appointment with the behavioural optometrist for our six year old who insists he needs glasses. Sorry Charlie, optometrist says no. In fact what he needs is waaaaay less screen time. I'm sad to say that our boy would probably rather wear glasses than miss out on screen time.

I was very diligent when Charlie was a baby and did not let him watch tv (even though in hindsight I think I should have used it as a tool to give myself half an hour here and there instead of getting so stressed out I ended up losing my sh*t and screaming in his little face once). Things changed as he was heading to two years old and I was feeling seedy and tired with my second pregnancy and needed to rest.

Mia on the other hand did not have the total ban on screens as a wee one and she is not anywhere near as addicted to screens. That's not to say she hasn't spent a few days while Charlie is at school doing not much else. It makes me wonder though if Charlie's love for the screen has anything to do with not having any early on.

Things are about to change again as I see-saw my way through how much screen time is allowed, coinciding also with my new commitment to firm boundaries and not raising a pair of entitled adults who can't do anything for themselves. The optometrist (who used to be a teacher) scoffed at our restriction of 1 hour of screen time after school on school days, saying that wasn't a restriction. Our new rules for screens are half an hour on non-school days. The optometrist I could tell, was still not impressed with this allowance, but I have a feeling she wouldn't have been happy with anything less than zero screen time, which I don't think is either realistic or desirable. I don't know. Part of me doesn't think half an hour on weekends is realistic either. If we stick with that 100% he'll never be able to watch a movie again.

How much screen time do you allow your kids? And if you have any tips on getting them outside please share! Kids are coming home tomorrow and I've enjoyed my time whilst missing them and the life they bring to our house and not wishing them home early. Anywho, Happy Easter and I hope you're enjoying your long, long weekend.

Mx




1 comment:

  1. I agree with you. I also thought that the screen ban when he was a baby, may be part of the problem, but I would not bet on it, we all have our own personalities and preferences.
    I hope the new rules and regulations come in without too much heart ache.
    Love From ME

    ReplyDelete