according to important new researchwhen children watch a lot of TV, it increases the stress level of parents.
It seems counterintuitive, so research helps.
In fact, many parents turn on the TV when they feel particularly stressed. Just expect a little break time or an opportunity to catch up on work and household chores. And there’s no question that a child preoccupied with the screen in front of them provides temporary relief. I’ve been there.
But in the long run, this decision will addition To stress levels beyond what we are aware of.
Conducted in 2020 at the University of Arizona, this study specifically investigated the impact of children’s television viewing habits on parents’ stress levels.
and they discovered: “The more kids watch the ads, the more they want and the more conflict they create.” The impact of this conflict continues long after the shopping trip.
Plus, researchers are quick to point out that streaming services haven’t changed the equation.
“There’s a reason there’s commercial content. It’s to drive buying behavior. More exposure on TV generally means more exposure to commercialized content. Even if I Even if you’re streaming it, the more you watch it, the more likely you’re seeing more integrated branding,” argues one of the researchers, Matthew Lapierre.
This research is important for parents, given that children are spending more and more time looking at screens. some research Young children are showing that they spend twice as much time in front of a screen as they did 20 years ago!
The study’s investigations draw a straight line between television and consumer desires. This is completely true.
But I would argue that increased TV viewing by children (and adults) increases stress levels in multiple ways. Below is a short list of some of the negative effects of TV and screen time (beyond increased consumption):
* Physical Health: Too much screen time can Negative effects on physical health: obesity, lack of sleep, visual impairment (just to name a few).
* Mental health: screen time Negative effects on mental healthdepression, anxiety, poor social skills, etc.
* Schoolwork: Children who spend a lot of time in front of screens struggle academically.
* Family Ties: When kids spend so much time on screen, they miss out on the important family time and relationships that enrich their lives.
* Social Connections: Screen Time is interfere with a child’s ability to develop social skills Build meaningful relationships with others.
Given all the data, and what we know to be true (both from research and personal observations), what steps can be taken to limit the amount of time children spend in front of televisions and screens? Is there? Absolutely.
7 ideas for limiting your child’s screen time:
1. Set an example.
Sorry to start with the hardest, but there’s nowhere else to start.
Children are always drawn to their parents’ modeled behavior. They are more likely to read a book if they see you reading a book. And if they see you watching TV, they will too.
2. Believe it is possible.
Parenting is still possible without relying on screens. Parents have achieved it in the past and are still achieving it today.
Without a doubt, screens are much more pervasive than they were 20 years ago. No one carried it around in their pocket back then.But just because they’re more ubiquitous today doesn’t mean we are offal rely on them.
It may be more difficult today, but it’s not impossible.
3. Be a parent.
It’s your job to encourage healthy behavior and limit unhealthy behavior. This can sometimes mean making unpopular decisions, such as limiting your child’s screen time.
Make these difficult decisions for your children. And if possible, take the next step and explain why you made that decision. This will help them follow through and make their own choices one day.
4. Limit browsing time.
Allowing no screen time at all is probably unreasonable. (Depending on your age, I think you can still do it.)
instead, Appropriate TV viewing level for your child and communicate them clearly.
Limiting your viewing habits is much easier if you understand that you can only watch one show in the morning and one show after school (for example). Or “1 hour on weekdays, 2 hours on weekends”.
5. Have a “No TV” period.
More than two-thirds of young people (70%) report Watching TV while eating. It is a pity. Some of the richest family conversations take place during meals or in the car.
Cherish the time you spend with your child. Don’t let the TV steal them.
Set a screen-free culture in your home for dinner, in the car, “Friday Family Game Night,” or whatever time period you choose for your family.
6. Find your mantra.
a mantra A sound, word, or group of words that can be considered to create a transformation. The words themselves may not be magical, but their consistent use can be.
Every parent should own them and use them effectively. My “too much TV” mantra goes something like this:
And every time my kids hear me say it, they know what it means.
7. Be creative.
Find new and exciting ways to entertain your kids without the screen. This includes playing board games, doing arts and crafts, going to local parks, and taking family walks around the neighborhood.
It’s tempting to rely on screen time as a way to keep your kids entertained or take some of the stress out of your day, but clearly that decision has had the opposite effect.
Also, as a general rule, it is never wise to trade short-term gains for greater burdens in the future.
