Statistics tell us that the average child spends just over three hours of every typical day on an electronic computer device. These statistics escalate over the school holiday period with some kids playing of devices for more than eight hours a day. Whilst a break of routine means pressure on parents to fill in more time each day, with ipad addiction on the rise it’s good to mix it up so kids aren’t relying on electronic devices just to get them through a long and boring day. With a little bit of structure, effort and persistence you can help your child break free of ipad addiction and embrace all the other wonderful things the world has to offer.
- Store it in a high cupboard
Have a storage spot out of the way for the ipad so it’s not always accessible. You then decide on when your child can play and he or she will need to go via you when they want to play. If it’s not right in front of them, it’s harder to play.
- Model technology-free behaviour
Show your child it’s cool to be independent from technology. Of course you can keep your phone or laptop handy if you need to receive work messages and emails, but make an effort to put your phone and computer away when it’s not necessary. Send a clear message that it’s ok to have hours in the day not glued to an electronic device. This goes for BOTH parents.
- Stick to a routine
A lot of kids struggle with the change to their daily patterns in the holidays. They become “lost” and “bored”. At the beginning of each holiday week, sit down and plan the week’s activities. Factor in playdates, outdoor activities and indoor activities such as cooking or craft. These are mostly free or with minimal costs. The routine does not have to be strict, but factor in one “special” activity per day that gives your child a sense of normality and something to look forward to besides the ipad. The added bonus is that this will improve their other skills; social skills, fine and gross motor skills, creativity and fitness as an added bonus.
- Have a checklist of things that need to be done before screen time each day.
I like this one as a model, but feel free to make your own
5. Make screen time a treat
Factor in an indulgent afternoon; especially good for a rainy day or when you need to get something done. Of course it’s ok for your child to spend a couple of hours on the computer every so often as a treat, just not every day. Help your child to understand the difference between enjoying the ipad on occasion and using it as a constant source of amusement.
- Get Community-minded
Take advantage of what’s available in your area and beyond. Check out your local council… most have free activities during the school holidays. Take a trip to the local library, volunteer in the community garden, visit an art gallery or museum. These activities are stimulating and give the child a sense of being part of a community. This is a good alternative to online gaming “communities” some children belong to, which are not safe or socially fulfilling.
- Let everyone know the drill
Make sure the entire household and other environments your child spends time in are all behind the new changes in electronic behaviour. Avoid playdates at houses where computers are the focus or speak to the friend’s parents, let Grandma know there are limits on screen time and make sure the same rules apply for all siblings in the house and that both parents are consistent in their approach as much as possible.
It’s not easy making new habits and some kids will experience withdrawals from being separated from their electronics. This will spill over into emotional behaviour; anger, tantrums, tears, blame and accusation. Yep, it’s not fun for any parent, but anything worthwhile never came easy! The best strategy is not to buy into negative behaviour and simply walk away without engaging, leaving your child to sort themselves out and find something else to do. Stick to your guns as much as you can in the face of resistance, and if you do have a moment of weakness and relent, get back on the bike again tomorrow and re-establish your control. Any day with time spent away from electronic devices will help break the bond and benefit your child. With consistency it WILL get easier!
