I don’t inherently oppose my kids using technology. In theory, it’s quite the opposite. Sometimes, you simply need a breather. Sometimes, a peaceful car ride is essential. And honestly, passing your child the iPad or your phone can create a much-needed 20 minutes for you to take care of personal business—whether it’s a bathroom break, a phone call, or even a quick nap. Let’s be real, you might even find yourself mixing up a couple of drinks to save time later. It’s hard to imagine how parents managed before this indispensable distraction that technology offers.
Moreover, trying to shield kids from screens is becoming increasingly futile. Not only is it essential for everyday life and future job prospects, but it’s also nearly impossible to avoid. Every adult has at least one phone or computer, and so do most of their friends, which extends to your children’s peers. They’re even using these devices in elementary school classrooms. This is just the world we live in now, and it’s only going to become more intertwined with technology.
The real concern lies in how kids are using that screen time and what activities they’re engaging in outside of it. My eldest is 6, so thankfully, we haven’t encountered the more alarming issues like online shopping or explicit content just yet. My partner and I did a decent job of setting boundaries, limiting them to one show before dinner or 20 minutes of the Star Wars Lego game in the morning.
I should say we did a good job—until our second child was born in January. Now, we often lack the energy or motivation to stop our oldest from entertaining himself with a screen for an hour if it means we can catch a bit of sleep or give the baby a bath. There are times when it feels like he’s spending just a bit too much time glued to a screen.
We share the common parental worry about the effects of excessive screen time. This anxiety is likely a mix of paranoia and the fact that we didn’t grow up with this level of technology. Regardless of our own screen habits (which we are all guilty of!), it can be unsettling to see a 6-year-old become quickly engrossed in an iPad game, even if he also plays outside and maintains a good balance. There’s no denying that it can easily slip into an addiction, which remains our biggest concern.
I find myself disliking who my child becomes when he’s on his mother’s phone or our tablet for too long. Despite repeated warnings and established time limits, getting the device out of his hands when time’s up often feels like a battle. He becomes so absorbed that he doesn’t even hear me say his time is over. When he does realize it’s finished, he goes through what feels like the five stages of grief—it’s maddening!
That reaction is a clear sign that we’re not effectively managing screen time. Part of this is due to the new baby and our willingness to let certain things slide for the sake of peace and rest. After all, we’re parents too! But those screens have really captivated him. While I can’t say it’s significantly different from how television captivated us as children, it’s still concerning. My partner and I are determined to regain control.
This means we need to be more vigilant about monitoring his screen time, not allowing his behavior to slide when time is up, and encouraging him to engage in other activities—like playing outside, building with Legos, or using his imagination instead of relying on screen-fed content. It’s also crucial to ensure that when he plays with friends, they aren’t just crowding around a screen, watching each other play Minecraft.
Wow, parenting is a lot of work! Maybe I should just buy him one of those fancy Oculus Rift headsets and call it a day. I’m exhausted.
For more information on self-insemination options, you can check out our post on the at-home insemination kit here. And if you’re curious about pregnancy symptoms, including headaches, this article has some great insights. For a deeper dive into family planning and insemination options, this resource on intrauterine insemination is invaluable.
In summary, while technology is a part of our lives, balancing it with other activities is essential for our children’s development. As parents, it’s our responsibility to establish boundaries and ensure a well-rounded upbringing.