5 easy tips to avoid screen time in kids

Your kiddo is crying and you have a meeting in a few minutes. Your partner is also on another call. That instinct to grab the phone open YouTube and give it to your kiddo kicks in. Sounds familiar?

Your kiddo is crying, and you have a meeting in a few minutes. Your partner is also on another call. That instinct to grab the phone, open YouTube, and give it to your kiddo kicks in. Sounds familiar?

You need not have lots of material to keep kids positively engaged. Simple activities using the things lying around at home, preparing the child can save you from unexpected tantrums.

Consider these few simple tips before you give in and give your child the phone.

1. Emergency toys:

Having an emergency toy at your office work desk is a must. I always have a box of play dough, child-safe scissors, paper for cutting, paint hidden near my computer. It works well as my four-year-old gets excited when she gets a surprise toy.

It is ideal if the emergency toy is used once or twice a week. It also has to be an activity your kid enjoys.

2. Set the mood:

Tell the kids beforehand that mommy will be in a meeting in some time. They have to be quiet when the meeting starts.

When I play with Miss N for 10 minutes right before the meeting starts, she will continue in the same playful mood till it gets over. However, you have to remind them constantly that mommy is going in 10 mins, 5 mins.

This way, they will prepare mentally and will not make a fuss when it is time for you to go.

3. Water and soap are best friends:

Water and soap require no setup. I give Miss N soap, water, a few cups, and spoons in the bathroom. That is all. She is set and can play for at least an hour by making bubbles, cooking, pouring, mixing.

She can go crazy and zero cleaning up for me. This activity has become a routine in our home. She enjoys her water play right before bath time.

4. Books

Books have saved me from handling tantrums more times than I can count. Miss N loves reading and making up stories of her own, and it keeps her entertained for 30 minutes straight.

I only have to ask questions like “Oh, where did piggy go?” to show her that I am paying attention. If she is in a good mood, she can go on for at least an hour.

5. Video call with grandparents/friends

I know it is technically screen time, but it feels like it is not as they are playing, sharing, jumping, running, and whatnot.

Miss N would do this all day long and if I let her. She gets all her toys and plays with my mom as if she is right in front of her. It even helps them bond as we hardly go to meet them because of covid.

Final take:

All these tips will work if they are not hungry or sleepy or both. It will also work well if they cannot smell a deadline coming up. You know how they get extra cranky when the project is about to go live, right? 😊

Finally, let’s not judge our parenting skills with the amount of screen time. We are all doing the best we can. How do you keep your kids busy? Do let me know in the comments below.