I won't give my son screentime not unless he is two but that would be only limited. That was me, telling everyone confidently while pregnant. That was because I saw myself how some kids get addicted with mobile phones to the point that they would throw tantrums.
Yes, I managed in the first year but the moment my son Caleb turns one? Life became more challenging. As some of you know, I am alone taking care of him as my husband is working abroad. With all the household chores and him being so active it was hard to get him out of my sight.
What are your thoughts on putting young children in front of a screen (TV, tablet, phone, computer) to entertain and keep them quiet? Do you feel there's better ways for young kids to spend their time and better ways to parent? Explain.
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My thoughts? Here are the Pros and Cons based on my own experienced.
The Cons without screen time
My toddler is now twenty months old and could manage to climb up anywhere in our house. Yes, I could watch him over to ensure his safety but that also means unavailable to accomplish what is supposed to be done at home.
The moment I left him, he was off at the top of the table, peaking at the window. Our home furniture was no longer in places it should be as he kept on pushing it around. Yes, I place rubber mats but not on the entire floor.
Honestly speaking he gets his forehead a couple of times. Cold compress is always ready.
In other times, he would take goods from our pantry cabinet since there is no lock and throw it all on the floor. Then stepped on it. It doesn't end as he would even scatter all his toys in the living room. One wrong step and I might have ended up on the floor and got bruised. These are only FEW scenarios how life with a toddler is without screen time.
The Cons.
This was him, just sitting and watching TV. Sometimes he would lay down or get a pillow and sit on it. Occasionally still playing with his toys.
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Or he would lay down on the couch while hugging a pillow. This was the time I could quickly do some chores such as cooking, loading our laundry and even eating. Still, I don't trust as sometimes I would find him tailing me. So, I am always holding my phone wherever I'm in the other corner of our house and watching over it through CCTV.
My Thoughts.
As per advice by experts screen time is supposed to be introduced at two but limited. Thus for someone like me we need TV to survive the day. Still I don't let him watch all day as this may affect his brain development. Sometimes I would sit with him and explain what the show is about. Having a conversation.
I believe giving them screen time is fine as long as not abused to the point we let these gadgets baby sit our kids.
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Photos are mine