How much screen time should your kid be getting? (Pandemic version)
We break down the screen time guidelines from the American Association of Pediatrics and list some great screen free options for you.
The struggle is real. In normal times (if anyone can remember what that was like), we were pretty strict with screen time for our 3 year old. One Daniel Tiger episode a day was basically the limit, but with COVID lockdown in full effect, we’ve been spending a lot more time at home, and our kids have spent a lot more time in front of screens.
If you’re anxious about how much screen time your kiddo is getting, you’re not alone. Part of that anxiety comes from just not knowing exactly how much screen time your kid should get. Fortunately, the American Association of Pediatrics has guidelines for healthy screen time limits for kids. We’ve broken them out below by age for you below:
Kids under 18 months
Video chats only. Babies learn best from two-way conversations with real people, so limit baby’s screen time to video calls with loved ones. Grandma will appreciate it.
Kids 18–24 months
Use high-quality programming & apps alongside your toddler. Don’t let them use media by themselves. Tip: Check out Storyline on Youtube for kids stories read aloud by actors like Betty White and Angela Bassett.
2 years and older
Up to 1 hour of high-quality programming. What makes a program high-quality? It should be non-violent, educational, interactive, and encourage healthy social behavior. PBS Kids has been a go-to for decades and for good reason. Try to co-view programs and co-play games with your kids.
All kids
Substitute screens whenever possible with interactive activities like playing with toys or games together and reading books. Set healthy limits on screen time by designating media-free times (like mealtimes) and keep screens out of bedrooms.
Screen-free activities
There are SO MANY options for screen free fun. Here are just 3 great options:
- Go outside — Kids need at least 1 hour of physical activity every day, so take a walk outside, ride bikes together or throw a ball around. It will make both of you happier. If you’re fortunate enough to have a yard, give your kid room to explore outdoors on their own
- Art — Give them art materials so they can experiment and create. We love the activities over at Oh Creative Day
- Cook — Teach your kid a skill they’ll use for the rest of their lives with a basic food recipe. Start with something simple, like sliced apples with peanut butter. Here’s a helpful guide from Living Montessori Now
What do I do when I need to get something done?
We get it. Sometimes you have stuff to do and the easiest way to occupy your kid seems to be to park them in front of a device. Here are a few tips:
- Use screen time wisely — Schedule your activities during screen time while observing the limits mentioned above
- Encourage independent play — Kids can and will play by themselves with practice and encouragement. Break out the open-ended toys and dramatic play props and give them space to play on their own
- Set a timer — Tell your kiddo that they need to play on their own until the timer goes off. Kids do well when they know what to expect. Setting a timer helps establish a clear beginning and end for “work time”.
What screen-free activities are working for you and your kid? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
