how to reduce screen time

Question

Accepted Answer

One of the most common reasons parents offer screen time is to get a few precious minutes to themselves. But there's an alternative: help your child learn to play by themselves.

If your child is not used to playing independently, introduce it gradually and be prepared for protests. Change is hard, but that doesn't mean that it's not good.

Start by encouraging them to play by themselves for a 10-minute stretch while you're in the same room. Slowly increase the time you expect your child to play independently and they will become more confident and comfortable with it in time. If your child protests, validate their feelings by saying, "You sound so frustrated. I know you want me to play with you right now. I'm going to finish reading this article, but I can't wait to play together later."

It can help to encourage independent play at the same time each day, perhaps after breakfast. Make sure you have some quality time with your child first, where you give them your full attention, so they're emotionally tanked up and ready for independence.