[00:49] Nothing has dominated the conversation between my husband and I, when it comes to raising our kids, more than today’s topic: Raising Kids in a Screen-Filled World. I’ve intended to tackle this topic ever since I started this podcast because there are a lot of different opinions and recommendations going around with the topic of screen time. And as we became the first generation of parents who are “digital immigrants”, there is no clear-cut path and definitive answer concerning this topic.

[01:36] There is a documentary right now that is getting a lot of attention, The Social Dilemma. This particular document offers enlightenment for its viewers regarding the impact of social media in human behavior. Another fantastic documentary I recommend is Screenagers. It’s a great starter if you want to delve into this topic, and you could also invite your older kids to watch with you.

[04:09] I’ve delayed this topic for so long, and mainly due to the unprecedented pandemic. Parents are not exactly thrilled to hear the negative impacts of screen time, and that’s understandable considering the overwhelming challenges we faced (or currently facing) due to the pandemic. But like I did, we have to continue adapting to the so-called ‘new normal’ kicks in.

[08:17] As I started parenting 17 years ago, I was honestly fearful of the negative impacts of the screen. Before the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended 0% screen time. But throughout the years, I let my guard down, and I started to utilize screen time which was a necessity for my large family. Years later, American Academy pediatrics loosened up from 0% screen time to small amounts.

[15:37] Up to this date, finding the right balance and health mixture of screen time is still a challenge even for me. We’ve done a long list of  screen regulations in our family and it’s still challenging. So don’t feel pressured and don’t set unrealistic expectations for you or your children. 

[20:22] At the sixth weeks of the lockdown, I just kind of broke down and I stumbled upon a post from one of my favorite people, Glennon Doyle. She delivered what I needed to hear during that time: a huge dose of permission. She gave me permission to break all of the rules and shame I was putting on myself when it came to screen time. I remember telling myself, all of the things I was shaming myself are not applicable during a worldwide pandemic. But entering the eight month of the quarantine period, I gained better perspective and commitment to sort out my pandemic-screen time mentality.

[26:59] At this point, I’m going to provide you questions that you need to ask yourself when determining how much screen time is applicable for your family and when to permit screen time.

[27:13] Question 1: How much screen time are your kids consuming? Afterwards, evaluate whether you’re comfortable with that amount. If yes, great. If not, ask yourself how much screen time would make you feel better and healthier.

[29:17] Next, ask yourself, how do my kids behave when they hit the limit for screen time? This will portray the dynamics between a parent and a child, and shows the current status of your connection.

[32:46] When are you permitting screen time? Figure out if it’s the right time to set screen time. Remember, it is never the right time when it is followed by a period of separation between you and your child. It’s because kids will develop a faux connection with digital and media devices instead of developing parent-child connection.

[34:56] Also ask yourself if your kids are able to find answers to boredom outside their media devices. Remember, the power of play is not optional. So you may want to consider that when setting limitations on screen time.

[39:06] As I’ve mentioned, this is only the first part of what I intend to be a series for the topic Raising Kids in a Screen-Filled World. I would love to hear your particular concerns, challenges, and roadblocks when it comes to navigating screen time with your families so hopefully I can also address that on my upcoming episodes.