SCREEN LESS PLAY MORE

The Benefits of Less Screen Time and How to Make it Happen.

A screen time coach can help you and your family reduce your technology time and increase your harmony quota!

So many families I work with end up here after searching: can a screen time parenting coach help? Absolutely! In fact, it’s often the deciding factor in making big changes! It takes time to create a habit, and time to undo it. Let me support your family to reduce your technology time and increase together time!

As parents, we’re living in a tech-driven world where screens are practically part of the family. From video games to TikTok, screens offer a lot of entertainment and learning opportunities. But how much is too much? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of reducing screen time, figure out what constitutes excessive screen use, and share practical, relatable strategies for getting your family moving away from screens without losing the fun. Plus, we’ll dive into the role of a screen time parenting support coach, a resource many parents find incredibly useful.

But beyond guidelines, it’s vital to recognize the signs that screen time might be creeping into unhealthy territory. If your child seems more irritable after a long session on the tablet or has trouble sleeping, it might be time to reassess. Excessive screen time can lead to:

• Physical Health Risks: Less active kids are at a higher risk for obesity. They might also experience headaches or tired eyes from too much screen time, not to mention the sleep disruptions that can come from too much blue light exposure before bed.
• Mental Health Concerns: Studies consistently link excessive screen time to anxiety and depression in kids. It seems that too much time on screens can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation or FOMO (fear of missing out).
• Social Development Issues: When kids are glued to screens, they often miss out on vital face-to-face interactions that help develop their social skills. You’ll notice it when they struggle to maintain eye contact or engage in conversation with peers.

The Benefits of Less Screen Time

So, what’s the payoff for cutting back on screen time? Let’s think about all the fantastic things that can happen when families prioritize real-life interactions over digital ones:

1. Enhanced Physical Health: Reducing screen time opens up opportunities for play. Suddenly, there’s time for bike rides, games in the park, or even just a walk around the neighborhood. Active play helps kids develop motor skills, maintain a healthy weight, and improve overall well-being.
2. Improved Social Skills: Engaging in real-world activities encourages kids to interact with their peers, improving their communication skills. Whether it’s teamwork during sports or having fun while making crafts, these interactions are invaluable.
3. Boosted Imagination and Creativity: Less time in front of screens means more time for creative activities like arts and crafts, building forts, or imaginative play. Kids develop their creativity and problem-solving skills when left to their own devices—literally and figuratively!
4. Better Academic Performance: Limiting screens can lead to improved focus and concentration, especially for school-aged children. With fewer distractions, they might find it easier to complete homework and engage with their learning.
5. Stronger Family Bonds: Reducing screen time encourages families to reconnect. Game nights, movie nights (with limited screen time), or outdoor activities can foster stronger relationships and create lasting memories.

How to Reduce Screen Time with Your Family

Now that we know the benefits, how can we actually reduce screen time in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for the whole family? Here are some practical strategies to try:

1. Set Clear Screen Time Limits: Sit down with your family and discuss how much time is reasonable for each type of screen. Establish ground rules together, such as “no screens during meals” or “one hour of screen time after homework.” This gives everyone a sense of ownership over the rules.
2. Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate specific areas in your home where screens aren’t allowed—like the dinner table or bedrooms. This encourages conversation and connection during meal times, and helps promote better sleep hygiene.
3. Plan Screen-Free Family Activities: Make a list of fun activities everyone can enjoy together, like hiking, biking, playing board games, or cooking a new recipe. Schedule these activities into your week to replace screen time with family bonding.
4. Encourage Creative Alternatives: Help your kids explore new hobbies that don’t involve screens. Whether it’s drawing, building, or playing a sport, supporting their interests boosts creativity and provides a break from digital devices.
5. Be a Role Model: As parents, we set the tone for our families. If we want our kids to reduce their screen time, we have to do it too! Share moments from your day that don’t involve screens—like reading a book or tending to the garden—which can inspire them to unplug.

Enlisting a Screen Time Parenting Coach: Support & Accountability to Succeed

Wouldn’t it be great to have someone in your corner to help navigate screen time challenges? That’s where a screen time parenting support coach comes in. These professionals specialize in helping families find a balance between digital use and real-world activities.

1. What is a Screen Time Parenting Coach?: They’re trained individuals who provide guidance, resources, and strategies tailored to your family’s needs. They’ll help you set realistic goals, create a family plan, and address any specific concerns you may have.
2. How a Coach Can Help: A coach can celebrate your successes, offer accountability, and provide tips for overcoming roadblocks. They might suggest specific activities to engage your kids or suggest tech tools that help manage screen time effectively.
3. Finding the Right Coach: If you’re considering working with a screen time coach, look for someone who aligns with your family’s values and needs. Many coaches offer introductory sessions, so you can get a feel for their style and approach before committing.

Practical Strategies for Reducing Screen Time

Finally, let’s explore some actionable, everyday strategies to embed these ideas into your family’s routine:

• Create a Family Agreement: Draft a fun family contract that outlines screen time limits and acceptable activities. Have everyone sign it to build commitment and accountability.
• Turn Off Notifications: Help your kids disable app notifications on devices to reduce distractions. Fewer distractions mean they’re less likely to get sucked into the vortex of screen time.
• Plan “Tech-Free” Days: Choose one day a week to go completely tech-free as a family. Use that time to reconnect and do something fun together, creating fantastic memories without screens.
• Incorporate Technology Mindfully: If your kids will be using screens for educational purposes, create a schedule that combines learning with breaks for movement or creativity. This way, they understand that screens can be a tool, not just a distraction.

Screen Less Play More | Cynthia Dvorak, Podcast Host, Screen Time Coach, & Mom

Reducing screen time doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be an opportunity to reconnect as a family. By reflecting on how much time we spend on screens and prioritizing real-world interactions, we set the stage for healthier, happier lives for our children. Whether it’s through implementing screen time limits, engaging in creative outdoor activities, or seeking support from a screen time parenting coach, every small step can lead to substantial change. Let’s embrace the journey together and cultivate a balanced approach to technology that benefits our families for years to come.