Updated: September 17, 2020
Originally Published: May 21, 2020
In a world dominated by screens, it seems like we have more time indoors than ever before. As the pandemic continues to unfold—forcing schools into remote learning, businesses to adopt a work-from-home model, and many stores to remain closed—children are finding themselves glued to screens for various reasons: education, social interaction, and even just to stave off boredom. As a single parent, I used to impose some limits on screen time, but those rules have largely vanished during these unprecedented times. My children now spend far more time on screens than I ever thought I’d allow. I won’t disclose the exact hours, but let’s just say the figure is higher than what I would have considered acceptable.
Many parents share my concerns and the feeling of guilt over their kids’ increased screen time during this pandemic. Are these relaxed rules really acceptable? To gain some clarity, I consulted Dr. Mia Thompson, a clinical neuropsychologist at Children’s Wellness and an assistant professor at State University, for her guidance on managing screen time amid COVID-19.
Finding Balance
Dr. Thompson advises parents to maintain some semblance of screen time rules but recognizes that occasional flexibility is necessary, especially when it provides a much-needed break for parents. It’s crucial to balance screen time limits with the sanity of caregivers; neither should be completely sacrificed for the other. However, Dr. Thompson prompts parents to consider if screens are the only option for keeping children occupied. Could there be alternative activities that also engage kids and give parents a breather?
My initial worry is that without a screen, my kids might not know what to do with themselves. They often rely on my guidance to stay entertained, which means I’d spend my day mediating sibling squabbles rather than focusing on work or other responsibilities. Dr. Thompson’s advice? Embrace boredom. It’s not our role as parents to constantly entertain our children, and allowing them to experience boredom can help with emotional regulation and stimulate their creativity. She suggests setting aside time for interactive play, even if it’s just twenty minutes, as this can foster cognitive, language, and social skills.
The Impact of Screen Time
Despite the current circumstances, it’s vital to uphold a relaxed set of screen time guidelines. Children’s brain development continues regardless of the pandemic, and excessive screen time has been linked with negative impacts on cognitive, language, and academic skills.
But before you start to panic, take a deep breath. It’s important to recognize that not all screen time is created equal. Educational screen time, such as participating in online classes or engaging in virtual discussions with peers, can be beneficial. These activities help children develop language skills and improve their focus. Similarly, socializing via digital platforms is important for maintaining connections during a time when in-person interactions are limited.
Dr. Thompson reassures us that a couple of months with more relaxed screen time rules won’t irreparably damage a child’s brain development. However, the more time spent on screens, the less opportunity there is for creativity and social learning.
Reining in Screen Time
The good news is that it’s possible to rein in screen time, although it may require patience and understanding. After I completed the first draft of this article, I announced to my children that screen time was over for the day. Initially, they reacted with disbelief, but after a few moments of blank stares, they found some long-neglected activities to occupy themselves. They overcame their boredom quicker than I expected, though sibling tensions re-emerged shortly after—an expected part of the process.
Self-Compassion for Parents
Lastly, Dr. Thompson’s invaluable reminder resonates: don’t be too hard on yourself. Parents are juggling numerous responsibilities—household tasks, work, childcare, and distance learning. It’s essential to remember that we’re all doing our best. A little extra screen time won’t be detrimental, and when survival mode kicks in, a larger allowance might be necessary.
For more insights on maintaining balance during these challenging times, check out this resource on health transformation and this excellent guide on intrauterine insemination. You can also learn more about the topic at intracervicalinsemination.com.
Summary
A clinical neuropsychologist emphasizes the importance of maintaining screen time limits for children during the pandemic while acknowledging the need for flexibility. Though educational and social screen time can be beneficial, excessive screen use can hinder emotional and cognitive development. Parents should encourage boredom and creativity, find balance, and practice self-compassion in the juggling act of parenting.