Limiting Screen Time

Been setting hard boundaries and severely limiting screen time in our household (specifically TV). The kids get to watch about an hour or two in the morning. Mornings are usually handled by Nick as I slept in to catch up on my rest (Elijah still nurses through the night). FYI, Nick did not volunteer to take over morning routine, sometimes he grumbled that I don't do anything in the morning anymore. I just let him lament. He will never understand my work load, 'educating' him will only cause more grief.

Nick goes to bed by 9pm (the same time as the kids), asleep by 9.30pm. He wakes 6.30am. Though he wakes early, he's not a morning person at all. He's usually still grumpy by the time I get up an hour later. Kids are up by 7am and he gets them ready for the day. This is where he gives them screen time on the iPad.

I specifically asked if he can cut this and he said no. He don't know what to do with them as he wants to get his personal routine going - had to agree daily poops are important. Personally, I let them get bored and at first they would whine (because they're kids). I have to point out, after cutting down screen time, creative play followed almost instantly. I buy into the adage Let kids be bored, it makes for creative play. I enjoy not having TV switched on, just light music to set the mood in the house.

Surprisingly, it's been especially hard on Nick (he has been suggesting we let them watch some cartoons on the weekend haha). I'm not ready yet, but I'll know when I am. I appreciate him for going with the flow I unintendedly set.

Elijah is practically born into screen time, with Bethany having free reign over TV programmes. I've done a few screen time cold turkeys with Bethany previously and loved the results. Less tantrums and resistance, more acceptance and flexibility with spontaneous arrangements aka brushing teeth before bathing or taking supplements before food etc. 

I know this isn't for everyone. I feel so loved that Nick trusted and supported me in this endeavour, though he's not having an easy time adjusting to it. I've been asking for no TV after our old one kaput but gave in to his request because he can't do without it. We compromised and got a smaller one.

Bethany is almost 5, and I successfully talked her into consenting. We have an agreement there will be no TV time. I picked an opportune moment (after stopping screen time for a few weeks), and told her matter of factly what to expect. She was disappointed but agreed to stick to the plan. So far, she hasn't asked for any TV. Elijah is too young to protest so it's all going well!

Just today, I stepped out after putting Elijah to nap to Nick and Bethany bonding over a book. So pleasing to my sight! Prior to this, Nick proposed we let them watch cartoons thus I countered - playing, reading, or interacting. I truly believe it's much needed. 

 

Reading is the new norm now
Previously books were chucked aside for TV

Now to work on reducing my phone usage. Bethany blatantly noted, without malice I ought to add, "Mummy loves her phone." She sees me on my phone all the time and it stung when she brought it up. I am guilty as charged.