Let’s talk SCREEN TIME!
We all know that screen time needs to be limited when it comes to children… even adults! According the the American Academy of Pediatrics, their recommendation is as follows:
For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting. Parents of children 18 to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they're seeing.
For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.
Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.
Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline.
We try to limit screen time as much as we can, but there are days when my kids go over the allotted time. Maya’s iPad is full of educational apps and she also watches educational videos on YouTube. To be honest, her iPad has taught her so much. Also, when we are traveling, my kids are on their iPad more too.
[as a BRAND Affiliate for Elephant Learning App, I earn from qualifying purchases] Maya goes to school three times a week, for a few hours. Once she gets home, she wants to play! Maya loves to learn at home too, but on her own terms. If I said that it was easy to teach Maya, I would be lying. Honestly, it’s been quite a struggle. I’ve tried so many different workbooks and activities. We would sit down and after 2 minutes, her attention would be elsewhere. After so many suggestions, I finally decided to use Elephant Learning App, an online Math Academy. We have been using it a few times a week for the past two weeks and we both love it! I’m no longer getting frustrated because she won’t pay attention, but she is having fun learning. Tristan loves Math. It’s his strongest subject! In fact, he made Math UIL in his school this year. He is so excited to compete. He also loves to learn at home using Elephant Learning App for extra practice. To find out more, click here: https://elephantlearning.com/?lmref=tAcozRw
I don’t mind extending screen time for my kids, as long as it’s educational. I also love it when Tristan helps Maya out with her apps too! He seems to know what to do for Maya to engage with him when it comes to learning. When I was younger, I loved to learn but teaching my sisters was hard for me. My patience is not built to teach. That’s why I have such a hard time trying to teach Maya. Tristan, on the other hand, is easy to teach. He pays attention very well and quickly understands. I cannot wait to share more of their progress on our social media. Make sure you’re following us on Instagram: @maria.shelton