How much is too much?

Hi friends! What have you been up to this weekend? Is anyone watching House of the Dragon on HBOMax? No? Just Cocomelon and Paw Patrol on repeat? Us too. Adult screen time is hard to come by these days.

For the kids? Well, let’s just say my expectations for screen time before kids and the reality of screen time now that they’re here are two very different things (I heard my 6-year-old wishing on her ceiling glow stars for a tablet this Christmas 🎅).

So let’s talk screen time—one of the most frequently asked questions in our FamilyMade inbox.

—Lindsay

Is Screen Time Bad for Kids?

Science has confirmed what we probably know: Extended amounts of screen time, especially at an early age, aren’t good for developing brains.

Hard data here: The American Association of Pediatrics calls for no screen time at all for children until 18 to 24 months, except for video chatting. They also say kids ages 2 to 5 should spend less than an hour per day using screens. The World Health Organization echoes similar recommendations.

But a question for science: Have you had a kid in 2022? Screens are part of everyday life, making it feel impossible to completely block your little ones from the glow of the TV, smartphone, tablet, or gaming system in your home.

So here’s what we propose: Instead of focusing the screen time conversation on feelings of guilt that your child prefers Peppa Pig to War & Peace, let’s focus on realistic ways to ensure that the inevitable screen time your family turns to is the right kind of screen time.

Context is key

Are there 14-month-olds out there settling in for their daily episode of Sesame Street as we speak? Of course there are. I’d venture to say most parents have been there—you need to get something done, and the tablet is the only available babysitter.

But like picking the right babysitter, picking the right content can make all the difference. Make sure what your kids are consuming is quality programming designed for little ones—like Sesame Street.

Everything in moderation

Shawn and Andrew agreed—it’s all about moderation.

“In reality, parents need an escape sometimes, whether making dinner or going to the bathroom,” Shawn said. “There are such incredible options out there now—especially educational content for kids at certain ages. Even age-appropriate religious content if that’s something you’re looking for.”

Shawn said Drew gets about 30 minutes of screen time per day, while Jett doesn’t really get any (he’s too busy running around to show much interest in it anyway).

Taking baby steps

Picture this: It’s the third day of a rainy long weekend. The toys have been played with. The crafts have been crafted. Siblings are starting to lose their cool with each other. Everyone needs a nap.

You turn on a movie. Then hey, one more won’t hurt! It’s movie day! Then, the clincher. The third movie in a row. No judgment—we’ve all been there. So how do you turn things around when you feel that screen time spiral setting in?

• Eliminate “extra” screen time: TV in the background, phones at the table during meals, etc.

• Make screen time non-negotiable, as in not part of a reward system or something that your child can talk their way into. The screen time schedule is the screen time schedule, that’s it.

• Carve out anti-screen time. This New York Times article recommends incorporating specific time away from screens and building those activities up over time. Start with an hour of painting or board games and expand it to include other ideas like reading time, outside time, or even food prep time. Take the focus off the screen.

Bottom line

Like most extremes, overdoing screen time isn’t good for any of us, kiddos included. But it happens! Screens (like the one you’re reading this email on) are just part of life. What matters most isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. If you can make a plan and stick to it most of the time? You’re on the right track.

Game on. Shawn and Andrew have explored educational games and apps—again, in moderation—with Drew. I personally can vouch for the games at PBSKids: all fun, trustworthy, and educational engagement for my 6-year-old. Nick Jr. is also a comfy spot, with games featuring beloved characters from Paw Patrol and Bubble Guppies. ABCya has common core activities for all ages.

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I’ll be watching. Do you have a tip? A trick? A loving comment or a burning question? A really addicting Netflix recommendation? Catch me in the FamilyMade inbox and you’ll always hear back. We love connecting with you! Have a great week.