Tips to help children avoid using iPads and phones
Children often love watching TV or using technology, but when parents ask them to stop playing or watching again, they whine and cry. To avoid this situation, parents need to know the following tips.
1. Regulations must be clear
Before letting your child use screens (watch TV or use technology), you need to clearly define which days of the week, what times of day, and which applications your child can access.
Rules are set so that children know when and for how long they can use them. Some people write down rules for technology use and TV viewing and post them in the living room. Parents will revise the rules every six months depending on summer or school breaks and the child's growth.
2. Create a habit
Children need to know the rules to have a sense of control and cooperate more with their parents. Parents need to create habits for children when using technology or watching TV. For example, children need to know that they need to turn off the TV before eating.
3. Prepare more engaging activities after your child plays with technology.
If you set times for your child to use technology and watch TV at certain times of the day, you need to prepare the next activity after your child's play time is over. These activities should be enjoyable for your child, such as: reading a book, going out or having a snack.
4. Remind your child about time to stop playing
After you give your child the gadget, remind him/her to stop playing and return it to you. Then, don’t forget to remind your child about 2 minutes before the end of use.
5. No compromise
When TV or technology time is up, children often ask for five more minutes, but try not to give in. If you are firm, they will accept the end of the time. However, if you allow more time, set a specific time limit and only accept it once.
6. Praise your child
If your child stops playing with technology or watching TV at the right time without whining or getting angry, parents should praise them. For example, you can say: "Thank you for turning off the tablet and sitting down to eat dinner." After being praised, the next time the child stops playing at the right time without whining or getting angry.
7. Let your child express his emotions
Your child accepts the rules about technology use and TV viewing time, but that doesn't mean they will follow them the next day. They may be upset or angry, but parents should not rush to scold, but say "I can see you are sad when you have to stop playing", this shows the child that you understand their feelings and can help them recognize their own feelings, which is the first step in implementing the rules.
8. Parents must set an example
If parents do not set an example, it is difficult to set limits on screen time for their children. If parents tell their children that using technology and watching too much TV is not good, but you do the opposite, it is difficult for children to follow the rules set by their parents. Parents should reduce the time using technology and watching TV so that children can learn.
