Tiny Techies: A Millennial Mom's Guide to Navigating Toddler Screen Time

In today's digital age, parents face the unique challenge of managing screen time and technology for their toddlers. With endless options and opinions on the matter, finding the right balance can feel overwhelming. But fear not! In this blog, we'll explore practical strategies and insights to help you navigate this complex terrain with confidence. Whether you're a tech-savvy parent or feeling a bit overwhelmed, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

The ongoing debate surrounding screen time for toddlers is a topic that's here to stay, possibly for generations to come. As a parent, the responsibility ultimately falls on you to make informed decisions. In today's digital age, technology is an inevitable part of our daily lives, and your child will inevitably encounter it at some point. The key lies in finding the right balance and establishing healthy boundaries early on. By doing so, you not only prepare your little one for the digital world ahead but also ensure their safety and well-being in the process.

As a parent, I used to hold firm beliefs about limiting screen time for my child. However, once I entered parenthood, my perspective quickly evolved. If you find yourself in a similar situation, rest assured, you're not alone. It's entirely natural to reassess your stance on this ongoing debate. After all, technology can serve as a valuable tool for educational and social-emotional growth. The key lies in how we approach it—our intentions and the boundaries we set.

Consider this: mindlessly parking your child in front of a screen all day won't foster meaningful connections or communication skills. Instead, it may lead to frustration and tantrums. That's where intentionality comes into play. Ask yourself: What are they watching, and why are they watching it? By being mindful of the content and purpose behind their screen time, we can make informed decisions that benefit their development.

Setting screen time boundaries for toddlers requires a balanced approach that considers both their developmental needs and the potential risks associated with excessive screen use. So how exactly do you set these boundaries? Here are some tips to help you establish healthy screen time limits for your little one:

1. Set Clear Rules: Establish clear guidelines regarding when and how much screen time is allowed each day. Communicate these rules with your child in a way that they can understand. For example, in my house, my daughter knows that weekends are for screen time. Sometimes she may ask on a weekday and I simply remind her what day it is and the days she allowed screen time. She's two for reference.
   

2. Lead by Example: Be a positive role model by demonstrating healthy screen habits yourself. When your child sees you prioritizing activities like reading, playing, or engaging in outdoor play over screen time, they are more likely to follow suit. When were outdoors or playing with her toys I put my phone down and fully immerse myself into the activities. Not only does this demonstrate healthy screen time habits but it also helps with connection that toddlers crave more than anything.
   

3. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home, such as the dinner table or the bedroom, as tech-free zones where screens are not allowed. This encourages family interaction and promotes better sleep hygiene.
   

4. Use Screen Time Wisely: When allowing screen time, choose high-quality, age-appropriate content that is educational and engaging. Apps, games, and shows that promote learning and creativity can be beneficial for toddlers. Some of our favorites are Ms. Rachael, Daniel Tiger, JoJo & Gran Gran, Still Water, and AlphaBlocks.
   

5. Set Time Limits: Use built-in parental controls or timers to limit the amount of time your child spends on screens each day. Consider using a visual timer or alarm to help your child understand when their screen time is up. For Youtube we turned off autoplay, that way when the video ends it won't begin a new one.
   

6. Encourage Balanced Activities: Encourage a variety of activities beyond screen time, such as outdoor play, creative play, reading, and social interactions. Help your child find alternative ways to have fun and stay entertained. We love using our DIY learning journal because it builds on foundational skills with new activities each day. If you don't know what a Learning Jounal is, check out our Instagram for more details.
   

7. Monitor and Supervise: Keep an eye on your child's screen time activities and be actively involved in their digital experiences. Co-viewing or co-playing with your child allows you to monitor content, promote conversation, and ensure their safety online. My daughter loves when I watch TV with her, we cuddle and talk about what's happening in the show during and after.
   

8. Be Flexible: While it's important to establish consistent screen time limits, it's also essential to be flexible and adjust your approach as your child grows and their needs change. Stay open to reassessing your rules and boundaries as needed. I used to allow one hour of TV a day but i noticed my daughter started to request it more and refuse to do other activities so I limited it to only the weekends for one hour. I saw a huge improvement in her willingness to try new things and her imagination for pretend play.

By following these tips, you can guide your toddler toward healthy screen habits and find the right balance between technology and other activities. Remember, as the parent, you're in control and your decision is what's best for your child. If you found these tips helpful, feel free to leave a comment or share them with another parent!