This is an attachment from Alberta Health Services - Speech Language Support
Helping Families
1. Spend more time doing fun activities
You and your child may enjoy free play, playing outside, reading books, visiting friends, games, crafts, dancing and puzzles
2. Set a good example
Children often copy what we do. Try to spend less of your time with screens. This will also free up time to do things you enjoy and you may be less frustrated by interruptions
3. Make meals a special family time
Share your stories, dreams and plans together with each other. Be sure to leave the tv off during meals. Research shows families who eat together eat healthier
4. Arrange the furniture to shift focus
Set up a play table as the focus in your living room or arrange the furniture to increase space for doing activities you enjoy together– a family room for family
5. Avoid using screen time as a reward or punishment
Your child will think screen time is more special or important if it is used as a reward. Positive behaviour is encouraged when you have fun together.
6. Start and end the day screen free
Screen free mornings are less stressful and more efficient. We sleep better if we turn off all screens at least an hour before bed.
Helping Families
1. Spend more time doing fun activities
You and your child may enjoy free play, playing outside, reading books, visiting friends, games, crafts, dancing and puzzles
2. Set a good example
Children often copy what we do. Try to spend less of your time with screens. This will also free up time to do things you enjoy and you may be less frustrated by interruptions
3. Make meals a special family time
Share your stories, dreams and plans together with each other. Be sure to leave the tv off during meals. Research shows families who eat together eat healthier
4. Arrange the furniture to shift focus
Set up a play table as the focus in your living room or arrange the furniture to increase space for doing activities you enjoy together– a family room for family
5. Avoid using screen time as a reward or punishment
Your child will think screen time is more special or important if it is used as a reward. Positive behaviour is encouraged when you have fun together.
6. Start and end the day screen free
Screen free mornings are less stressful and more efficient. We sleep better if we turn off all screens at least an hour before bed.
What if I need to make dinner or get the wash done
Plan simple, fun activities for your child to help you or have fun by themselves. They may like to do a simple craft in the kitchen while you are cooking– or play with a bin of dress up clothes when you are doing the wash.
My child won’t eat without the TV
Sometimes it helps to eat together at the table. Your child will learn good eating habits and manners. Talking and interacting during meals also builds communication skills
My child cries when I take the tablet away
Screen time is habit forming. Your child may be upset or sad when you start to set new rules. Let your child know that you understand how they feel. Show excitement for other fun activities that they are doing.
Plan simple, fun activities for your child to help you or have fun by themselves. They may like to do a simple craft in the kitchen while you are cooking– or play with a bin of dress up clothes when you are doing the wash.
My child won’t eat without the TV
Sometimes it helps to eat together at the table. Your child will learn good eating habits and manners. Talking and interacting during meals also builds communication skills
My child cries when I take the tablet away
Screen time is habit forming. Your child may be upset or sad when you start to set new rules. Let your child know that you understand how they feel. Show excitement for other fun activities that they are doing.
Too much screen time places these at risk:
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Brain development
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Vocabulary development
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Physical and mental health
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Attention and memory
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Social skills
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Learning and performance in school
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Coping and behavior
So unplug the TV, computer, phone and tablet!
adapted from AHS Edmonton Zone
Speech Language Pathology
Professional Practice Council
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