During winter break, parents often encounter the dilemma of how to curtail their kids' screen time when the daily structure is significantly reduced. Dr. Christina Lee, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente, emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue. She highlights the various risks associated with excessive screen time, such as sleep disturbances, decreased physical activity leading to weight gain, delayed emotional development, behavioral and attention problems, and mood and anxiety issues.

Stick With Routines

It is advisable to maintain the existing routines. For instance, if screens are not allowed during meals or one to two hours before bedtime, stick to these rules even during the break. If no such routine exists, introduce it gradually. Don't make radical changes all at once. Start with small steps like designating certain time periods as screen-free. Board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, cooking, and a family book club are excellent activities to keep kids occupied. You can even reward yourselves by watching a movie after finishing a book together.

Outdoor Activities

On days when the weather permits, getting outside is a great option. Whether it's biking, hiking, throwing or kicking a ball, or simply taking a walk at dusk and exploring neighborhoods with holiday lights, these activities provide a break from screens and offer numerous benefits. It allows kids to engage with the outdoors and have fun.

Setting an Example

Parents need to be role models and limit their own screen time. Kids are like sponges and absorb everything they see. If parents are constantly on their screens, it sends the wrong message to their children. By setting a good example, parents can influence their kids to reduce their screen time as well.

Appropriate Screen Time

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 2 years old should have no more than half an hour of screen time, and it should always be with a parent present. For ages 2 to 5, the recommended screen time is less than one hour, and for ages 5 and above, it is one to two hours a day. It is crucial to consider the quality and type of screen time as well. A week or even a weekend filled with excessive screen time can lead to an increase in behavioral problems. Kids may refuse to go to school and have temper tantrums in the morning. Once they come home from school, they often want to go back to their screens.For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine's Family newsletter.