Criticize me all you want, Karen, but I firmly believe that screen time is a blessing for parents everywhere.
It seems like every time you turn around, someone is shouting about how screen time is destroying our children! It’s ruining their lives! It’s making their brains mushy! To hear some of the older generations talk, you’d think their kids had zero screen time and all grew up to be robust, well-adjusted geniuses. (Really, Karen?)
Today’s parents know better. The reality is that screen time can be a busy mom or dad’s best ally, and I wouldn’t want to navigate parenting without it.
Confessionals from the Trenches
Confessional #1234567: “I absolutely refuse to feel guilty about how much screen time my kids get. We do plenty of activities together, and as soon as the weather warms up, we’ll be outside all the time. Those smug moms can deal with it.”
Sometimes we just need a moment (or, okay, a few hours) to breathe without being bombarded by the endless demands of tiny, shrill voices. Anyone who claims they don’t need that occasional break is simply not being honest.
Confessional #2345678: “My kids let me sleep until noon. They’re in elementary school now. They know that if I’m sleeping, they can use the electronics and snack to their hearts’ content. It’s a win-win!”
Confessional #3456789: “I totally had a wine hangover and completely tossed the ‘one hour of electronics’ rule out the window!”
Confessional #4567890: “I give my kids unlimited screen time just so they’ll leave me alone. Clearly, I’m not winning at this mom thing.”
Of course, there will always be judgment. But life situations often lead to a change of heart—or at least a shift in how we view screen time. Parenting without screens can be overwhelming.
Confessional #5678901: “I decided to go screen-free today. I’m utterly exhausted! I have no idea how anyone gets anything done or finds peace without screens for their kids.”
Confessional #6789012: “I regret judging parents for letting their kids play video games or use the TV as a babysitter. Now, I see electronics as a lifesaver for keeping kids calm and busy. We have eight kids, after all!”
Despite the naysayers, our kids are doing just fine. Research from the University of Michigan indicates it’s not the quantity of screen time that matters, but how children engage with screens. Active screen time—like playing games that require physical or cognitive effort—doesn’t carry the same negative consequences that the pearl-clutching moms like to lament about.
Confessional #7890123: “My daughters are kind, well-behaved, and well-adjusted, yet you think I’m a bad parent just because there’s no limit on screen time? Guess what? I couldn’t care less!”
Confessional #8901234: “My kids have unlimited screen time, each has their own tablets, and they’re thriving. My 10-year-old is developing apps, and my 5-year-old reads chapter books! Take that, doctors and naysayers!”
Confessional #9012345: “I’m tired of other moms judging my screen time choices. My daughter consistently ranks first in her class and is exceptionally kind. If anything, she has a larger vocabulary and better general knowledge than her peers thanks to the computer!”
It’s easy to preach about no screens when you’re not the one managing the kids all day.
Confessional #0123456: “I absolutely hate it when my husband enforces a ‘no screen time’ rule, then heads off to work, leaving me to either break the rule to get things done or entertain the kids all day. I always choose option A.”
Once we’re away from judgmental eyes, it’s game on—literally.
Confessional #1234568: “I chuckled when I read that the AAP finally updated its screen time guidelines. As if we weren’t all letting our kids watch whatever it takes to make it through the day!”
Confessional #2345679: “I run a ‘screen-free’ daycare, which really just means no screens during drop-off or pick-up. The rest of the time? Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood all the way!”
Of course, we’d never admit that outside of the confessional—especially not to anyone with a medical degree.
Confessional #3456780: “My neighbor is a pediatrician, and her son is on a screen ALL. THE. TIME. So much for the APA recommendations.”
Even if we attempt to limit our kids’ screen time, it’s challenging when we’re not really practicing what we preach.
Confessional #4567891: “I tell my kids to use their imagination instead of electronics while I’m glued to my phone. Total mom fail.”
Confessional #5678902: “I spend way too much time on my phone in front of my kids while strictly enforcing their screen time limits.”
Confessional #6789013: “Now my iPhone tracks my screen time daily. Fantastic, just what I needed…”
This is definitely one of those situations where “do as I say, not as I do” applies. But hey, if it grants us a few moments—or hours—of peace and quiet, it’s worth it, right?
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In summary, while screen time often faces criticism, many parents find it to be an essential tool for maintaining their sanity. Balancing screen time with other activities can lead to happy, well-adjusted kids, proving that sometimes, a little screen time isn’t such a bad thing after all.
Keyphrase: screen time for kids
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