![]() ![]() Here are the AAP’s guidelines on screentime for kids Some families will find that going cold turkey works best, while others gradually wean TV watching out of their child’s daily schedule. So, the 10 million dollar question is: how do you get your child to play independently?Īs I said, watching TV can actually decrease children’s ability to engage in self-directed play so stopping TV viewing is an obvious first step. Luckily, self-directed play can take care of your need for a break as well as encourage your child to engage in more self-directed play! (Same goes for tablets, phones, and all other screens.) What a bummer, right? So the more TV they watch, the less they are able to engage in self-directed play and the more they “need” TV. Not only is increased TV viewing linked to shorter attention spans, but TV viewing encourages the need and desire to be entertained over interest in discovery and exploration. In fact, TV damages a child’s instinct for discovery and self-directed play. TV can’t even touch those awesome benefits! Self-directed play builds social and emotional health, confidence, creativity, self-discipline and problem solving skills. What a relief!Ĭultivating intrinsically motivated, independent exploration does more than just give parents a break though. You may be able to read, check your email, work, eat chocolate-whatever-and all while he plays and explores. ![]() You can sit back and just observe what your child is exploring. ![]() When your child is able to engage in independent play, being with your child becomes less demanding. Self-directed or independent play is play chosen, initiated and directed by the child. Luckily there IS a way to have a low media (or media free) child without losing your mind. The answer is… But what if you could have a break without using the TV or your iPhone to entertain your little one? So, are a few minutes of television going to irrevocably damage your child? Of course not. It’s totally understandable to want a few moments of peace every day to ( gasp!) use the bathroom alone. Caregiving-especially quality caregiving-requires a ridiculous amount of attention, patience and energy. ![]()
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