According to the parenting blogger, there are some truly huge benefits that come from restricting access to screens and tech. “I can’t emphasize the benefits enough. I’ve started to more clearly see our kids’ talents and interests. They are taking the time to pursue those interests since they have a lot more time,” she said.
“My daughter reads faster than we can check out books. She writes stories. My son draws pictures and even initiated a family drawing night in which he was the instructor. It’s good for kids to be bored sometimes so they can take initiative and create. I read the Tech Wise Family By Andy Crouch and he said in their family, they aim to create more than they consume. I loved that principle. I’m starting to see the benefits,” Molly shared with Bored Panda how things in her family changed when she began limiting the time that her kids spend in front of screens.
Molly also shared some awesome book recommendations for kids to help provide an alternative to screens. “My daughter loves Max Einstein by James Patterson. I hosted a little book club for my daughter and a few friends and they read Best Family Ever by Karen Kingsbury. I also introduced her to some of my favorite books as a kid, including the Babysitter’s Club series. My boys love graphic novels. We got my older son the Action Bible which he can’t put down. Homeschool moms make my favorite book lists, I especially love readaloudrevival.com, she has amazing book lists. Technology can be a great tool, but we just want to make sure that in our house, we are using the technology, rather than being enslaved to it.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Donner told Bored Panda that the biggest challenge that comes with limiting screen and tech time for kids is finding other activities to replace them with. “A screen is very captivating and can keep a child entertained for hours while their parents are busy getting other things done,” she said.
“Many parents allow free reign because they feel that the screen is harmless or even educational for their child’s developing brain. Limiting screen time increases the amount of valuable real-life skill development. Kids require actual human interaction to enhance their social skills and even motor development. They need to learn to understand real human facial expression, body language, tone of voice, and reciprocal communication skills,” Dr. Donner explained.
“Screen-free interaction with your children doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Reading a book to them as early as at 6 months of age has shown to increase their language and reading skills later in life. Hands-on play time will teach them social interaction and motor skills that are essential to their healthy development. Lastly, we find that less screen time in the toddler years corresponds to lower rates of ADHD by the age of 7.”
