Too much screen time is not good for your kids but when used in moderation, it can provide the perfect ground for personal development, creativity, and learning. The trick, as a parent, is to know how much screen time is enough for your kids. Finding the right screen time balance can enhance the relationship you have with your kids.
We get our dose of entertainment, information, and learning through electronic devices. If well used, the benefits of allocating screen time to your kids outweigh the shortcomings. Here are some of the benefits of screen time when used correctly.
Enhances problem-solving skills
There are many ways to enhance problem-solving skills for kids online. Gaming is one of the best ways to do this. Games present challenges you must accomplish to move on to the next level.
This involves thinking out of the box to solve these problems. Sometimes it involves working with other players to solve these challenges and move onto the next level. When this happens, gaming enhances communication and creativity among everyone involved.
Other games such as puzzles enhance memory and concentration. Computer games also create fine motor skills for children because they require them to be nibble and use different fingers to create fast motions as they try to solve the challenges.
Enhances social and communication skills
Technology has enabled us to connect easily with anyone irrespective of distance apart. This connection has greatly improved our social and communication interactions with our colleagues, family, and other acquaintances. This makes it easy to connect with other people on a social scale because it gets rid of the awkwardness associated with physical meetups.
People can express themselves freely through their social media platforms compared to how they would if they were to meet physically. This is why messaging apps and video communication apps have become very popular among our kids.
Entertainment and relaxation
Most of the entertainment we get these days is brought to us through a screen. Our kids love watching programs and movies that entertain them. There is no shortage of entertainment options when using technology and the internet. After the COVID-19 pandemic, people created amazing content on many different platforms.
YouTube, for instance, contains channels that offer unlimited entertainment options for your family freely. The trick is to ensure that your kids consume age-appropriate content when they access YouTube. Regulate the amount of time they spend watching entertainment videos online.
Movies, TV shows, music videos, podcasts, and many other channels on YouTube and similar platforms are dedicated to offering round-the-clock entertainment for your kids. Some podcasts offer great information on how to take care of ourselves. We can follow these hacks for relaxation and enjoyment.
Access to screen time resources and information
You can access information on almost any topic on earth freely online. There are great resources to help our kids learn and absorb information. Khan Academy, for instance, is a great resource for K12 students, especially in STEM subjects. There are other similar resources your kids can tap into to learn exciting things – such as building mobile apps.
Many coding schools and channels are designed to teach basic coding skills to our kids. YouTube has a kids section dedicated to offering content meant to empower your kids in one way or the other.
They learn social skills, fashion, art, DIY, gardening, and many more by following experts and gurus on these channels, and without spending money. There are online forums where kids with similar interests can interact, share their wins, work on the challenges they get, and get inspiration from each other.
Facilitates mindfulness and mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is important and you should ensure your kids are always in their best mental state. You can access information about mindfulness and mental health wellness through your computer screens in the comfort of your homes.
Subscribe to mindfulness podcasts and mental health advocacy channels on YouTube to gain insights on keeping your mental health perfect. Teach your kids to speak out when they are going through issues. Identify online resources that can help them navigate challenges that may negatively affect their mental health.
Enhances bonding with family
If you regulate screen time by setting specific moments to watch your favorite programs, you can enjoy creating a great bond with your kids at home. There are many fascinating TV shows, movies, documentaries, and entertaining content to enjoy with your family. Playing video games with your kids can also be an amazing bonding time.
Find age-appropriate games to play and limit the time you spend doing so. If possible, look for games that have an educational element to them. You will enjoy the collaboration as you brainstorm to find ways to solve problems to help you complete the gaming levels.
In many homes, there is a tradition that certain TV programs and shows ought to be enjoyed by all family members together. This moment brings everyone together to enjoy getting informed or entertained by content delivered to them via screens. It is an almost ‘holy’ moment that creates lasting memories.
Access to learning opportunities
When you talk to homeschooling parents, you will notice how important computers, phones, tablets, and other electronic devices contribute to the learning process. This is because they provide access to the platform where learning happens.
For instance, when a parent is having a problem with a subject, he/she can connect with a tutor from across the world and the tutor delivers the solution via a computer or other electronic devices in real-time.
Many e-learning platforms, such as Coursera, rely on the internet and electronic devices to deliver learning solutions to students across the world digitally. You can take online classes from whichever learning institution you wish in the comfort of your home. Online learning opportunities bring educators to you in the comfort of your home.
Another learning opportunity your kids can benefit from is access to apps that teach them different languages. They learn a foreign language without the need to travel or be confined in a physical classroom. And they can practice what they learn with other people in different forums online.
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