How to Help Kids Break the Screen Habit
By Genevieve Cunningham
Kids are easily influenced. If we engage them in sports and the outdoors when they're young, they're likely to develop a love for it. If we let them run and exercise, they'll learn to enjoy it. And this is true for almost anything that we introduce into their lives. Unfortunately, the most common interest of kids nowadays is one that might not be the best choice: technology.
Once kids are introduced to the magic and wonder of screens, there's no going back. But if we want kids to be healthy -- both physically and mentally -- we need to break the screen addiction and teach them to use technology responsibly. How? Take a look at these tips to help you get your kids moving in the right direction.
Say No
It's so important to remember that, as parents, we have the final say. You don't have to say yes to the request for TV, computer time, or a new phone. Yes, they'll whine. Yes, they'll think their lives are ruined. But you can still say no. And after a little time, they'll realize that their lives are not ruined at all. If you're willing to put up with the frustration, just say no to the screen and your kids may find something else to do with themselves altogether.
Offer Engaging Alternatives
To help your kids out during the screen withdrawals, offer them some engaging alternatives -- other things to do with their time, minds, and hands. Offer games and books and puzzles. Offer sports and musical lessons and various hobbies. If you can't get your kids interested in other things, it's easier to say no to more screen time.
Spend More Time Outdoors
The outdoors are great for distraction. When we spend more time outside, we feel happier, healthier, and more at ease. And it's a great way to break addiction to sitting around in front of a screen. You can take a ball outside and play sports together. You can go fishing or hiking or biking. Or you can simply take a walk or lounge around. The outdoors is soothing to the body and mind, and using it to break an addiction is a smart idea.
Kids have to learn to use screens. They're going to be bombarded by various kinds of screens for their entire lives. They're going to use them at school and work and for entertainment. But because of their frequency in our lives, kids have also got to learn balance. Use these tips to break the addiction to the screen, and move your kids toward healthier living as soon as today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Little Rock, Ark.