The Summer Screen Time Sh*tshow: How Much is Too Much?
Let’s face it—summer hits, school’s out, and suddenly the screens become a lifeline. But how much screen time is too much? In 2024, we’re all stuck in the same damn struggle: keep the kids entertained without turning them into zombies.
The 2024 “Guidelines” (That We All Ignore)
The experts say kids aged 6 and up should get no more than two hours of screen time a day. But honestly, who’s sticking to that during summer? Between digital learning, social media, and them just wanting to veg out, those “rules” feel more like a joke.
Finding That Sweet Spot
Look, screen time isn’t the devil—it’s 2024, and tech is as much a part of life as food and water. Instead of stressing, let’s find the balance. Set up some screen schedules so your kids don’t just spend the entire day with their eyes glued to Netflix or YouTube. Maybe do something wild and tell them they get screen time after they’ve done something else—like reading or playing outside (if you can actually get them to do it).
What to Do When the Screens Are Off
Need some ideas that don’t involve them whining about boredom? Here are a few ideas that might buy you some time:
- DIY Backyard Challenge: Make ‘em run around like maniacs with a homemade obstacle course.
- Craft Kits: Set up some crafts and let them make a mess that isn’t on their screens for once.
- Family Board Games: Dust off Monopoly or Uno and embrace the chaos.
Let Tech Do the Parenting for You
Here’s the kicker: you can actually use tech to control the screen time issue. Apps like Qustodio and Bark monitor usage so you don’t have to hover. They’ll get notified when they’re pushing the limits, and you can sit back without feeling like the screen time police.
Final Thoughts
Look, there’s no perfect solution. Summer is long, and screens will save your sanity—so just aim for balance. If the kids get a little extra screen time, who cares? As long as they’re happy and not totally zombified, you’re doing great.
