Friday, August 23, 2019

10 EASY WAYS TO CONTROL YOUR TODDLER CELL PHONE ADDICTION

Recently our friends with families attended a function. I saw kids between 1-5 years kids are with either cell phone/tablet. No one was paying attention to the outside world. In the lunchtime, it is even worse. Kids watching their phone, moms/dads were feeding them. God knows what they ate! Even I came from that situation. Here are some tips to divert your kids' attention from digital devices
1. First mothers: Mothers will be highly influential on their kids. So be a role model to your kid. You stop using the mobile phone in front of them. It sounds a bit harsh, but if you want to digitally detoxify your kid, you need to sacrifice your phone time.
2. Both the parents and people within the house: Even if your partner or other family members residing in your house, learn to hide phones or stop using phones if the kids are around. Spend time with them. Talk to them. They can say things that are more enjoyable than in your gadgets.
3. Know their peak time: Most of the time kids use gadgets during their mealtime, or in the evening time or when they get bored. Know their peak time first. Prepare what to do at that time.
4. Know their interests beyond cell phone: My daughter was very fond of colours during her 2nd year. So I got whatever I can. Crayons, watercolours, colour pencils, sketch pens. It became a little messy, but it worked. She started colouring books, faces in newspapers and I gave strict instructions that her drawings should be only on paper. Likewise, know your kids' interest, it can be painting, counting, any stories (This also worked for me). I made her sit in the balcony and we started staring at the people who were passing by, we saw all the crows, squirrels, pigeons, even ants, flies, but it worked.
5. Get creative: Create any play or create a toy using cardboards, bottles, or anything you see. Give those plastic water bottles and some grains and ask them to play. It can gain you some time.
6. Don’t expect overnight results: Gradually reduce the time with gadgets, not all at a time. You cannot get overnight results.
7. Gradually reduce the screen time: Check the usage time. Gradually lessen 10 minutes a day. When you start reducing screen time from day 1, you only get tantrums. Kids cannot accommodate the new change; it may lead to permanent hatred towards physical activity.
8. Use parental control: Use parental control for your mobile phone. There are many apps which lock by themselves for a specific time period.
9. Practice secret screen time: Parents, if you can’t control your screen time, practice secret screen time. During their nap time or in the restroom, you should not be visible to kids with the phone.
10. Make days count: Make every day a special day for kids like gardening day, cleaning day, washing day, game day, painting day, crafting day, nature day, letter day, puzzle day. Not only these you can create many more chores with kids.


The important tip to reduce the screen time is to lessen mom’s screen time and patience. You all know the side effects of giving cell phones to children. So try to reduce that and enjoy with your kid.
Happy Motherhood!!!
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