{"id":23137,"date":"2024-05-21T11:52:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T15:52:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kixcare.com\/?p=23137"},"modified":"2024-05-27T15:08:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-27T19:08:35","slug":"navigating-screen-time-for-kids-aged-0-5-a-kixnurse-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.resources.kixcare.com\/en\/navigating-screen-time-for-kids-aged-0-5-a-kixnurse-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Screen Time for Kids Aged 0-5: A KixNurse Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Written by: Cristina Tullio, RN, BNI<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our digital age, screens are everywhere. From TVs and tablets to smartphones and gaming consoles, our little ones, especially children under 5 years old are growing up in a world buzzing with electronic activity. While these devices offer fantastic opportunities for learning and discovery, it\u2019s important to manage how much time our young children spend with them to ensure it doesn’t negatively impact their development and health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
When considering how much time your child spends looking at screens, it is important to include all digital devices used at home, childcare centres, and schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note: The recommendations below are intended for typically developing children. If your child has special needs, speak to your KixNurse to learn more about recommendations and advice unique to your child\u2019s particular needs.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Limiting your child\u2019s screen time will help them utilize more opportunities to learn in real-time through social interaction, reading, playing outdoors, creating, and spending time with family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too much screen time can lead to several challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond this, too many hours in front of screens can cause physical discomfort like headaches, blurred vision, and poor posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to note that setting limits when children are young is more manageable than cutting back when they\u2019re older and have already gotten used to using digital media in excess. Creating healthy habits is always easier than fixing learned bad habits! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some KixTips to help limit screen time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Screen time might help at the moment but repetitively used, over a long period, can contribute to your child not being able to cope with new or potentially stressful situations without them. Talk to your KixNurse to learn new strategies<\/a> for calming your child or helping with daily transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Handling a child upset over the removal of screen time can be challenging, but here are some helpful steps you can use to address the situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Active Listening: <\/strong>Start by calmly empathizing with your child’s feelings. Let them express why they’re upset about the removal of screen time without interrupting or judging them, and remain calm and understanding. Encourage open communication with your child and reassure them that their feelings are valid. Let them know they can come to you if they have concerns or need support adjusting to the new routine. Avoid yelling or getting upset at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Explain why<\/strong>: Communicate the reasons behind the decision to remove screen time for your child. It is important that they understand it is not a punishment but rather for their well-being. Make sure they understand the expectations for screen time that you have introduced in the household and that this applies to everyone and not just them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Offer Alternative Activities:<\/strong> Provide alternative activities for your child to enjoy instead of screen time. This could include outdoor play, creative hobbies, reading, or any other healthy activity your child likes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Positive Reinforcement:<\/strong> Acknowledge and celebrate any progress your child makes in adapting to the changes in screen time usage. Positive reinforcement can help motivate them to continue making good progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Be Patient:<\/strong> Understand that it may take some time for your child to adjust to a new routine and accept changes. Perseverance and patience are key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, you\u2019re not alone in this parenting journey. If you have any concerns or need tailored advice, especially if your child has unique needs – our Kix360\u00b0 Membership<\/a> is here for you. Offering 24\/7 access to pediatric experts, we\u2019re ready to support you with comprehensive care plans that nurture both the physical and mental well-being of your children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Join our community today and gain peace of mind, knowing we\u2019re here to help every step of the way!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Written by: Cristina Tullio, RN, BNI In our digital age, screens are everywhere. From TVs and tablets to smartphones and gaming consoles, our little ones, especially children under 5 years old are growing up in a world buzzing with electronic activity. While these devices offer fantastic opportunities for learning and discovery, it\u2019s important to manage […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":23139,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding Screen Time for Little Ones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why Should We Watch the Clock on Screen Time?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to set limits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Is it okay to use screens to calm or distract my child?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I select the right content for my child?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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My child is upset because screen time was removed. How should I handle this?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We’re Here to Help: Join Kix360\u00b0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n