Welcome to the digital age, where screens are part of our everyday lives. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we understand the importance of creating healthy screen habits early on. Here’s how you can set appropriate screen time limits for your preschooler, ensuring they benefit from digital media without it taking over their day.

Excessive screen time can affect children in various ways, impacting everything from sleep patterns and vision to language development and attention spans. While digital devices can be beneficial learning tools, their use must be appropriately managed. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 2 to 5 should cap non-educational screen time at one hour per weekday and three hours on weekends.

• Set Clear Limits: Establish daily screen time limits that fit your child’s routine and stick to them. Be consistent and clear about when screen time begins and when it ends. This consistency helps children understand expectations and adjust to routines.
• Choose Quality Content: Opt for high-quality educational content appropriate for your child’s age. Engage with them during screen time by discussing the content together. This enhances learning and ensures you know what your preschooler is viewing. 
• Encourage Active Screen Time: Choose interactive apps that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving over passive watching whenever possible. Apps that involve reading, puzzles, or age-appropriate educational games are more beneficial than passive video watching. 

Promote Other Activities: Balance screen time with plenty of physical play, outdoor activities, and reading time. This variety helps develop physical skills, imagination, and social interaction.

Establish tech-free zones throughout your home, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and the dining room, as well as tech-free times, particularly during family meals and before bedtime. These practices help prevent screens from disrupting sleep and family interactions. Encouraging play without screens before bed also improves sleep quality for young children.

Setting healthy screen time limits for preschoolers is essential in helping them develop a balanced relationship with technology. By implementing structured guidelines and leading by example, you can ensure that your child enjoys the benefits of digital media without experiencing the pitfalls. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we believe in nurturing well-rounded development, with screen time being a controlled, enriching part of a child’s day. Let’s embrace technology wisely and watch our little ones thrive in all areas of life!

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family.

Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Oakbrook located in Norcross, Georgia? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.