Children everywhere are plopped in front of a screen as soon as they get home from school and most moms feel guilty about it. If you’re looking for a way to keep your child mentally and physically engaged so that they spend less time in front of a screen, here are 5 ideas to get you started.
1. Create a clearly defined routine.
One of the most effective ways to help get your child back ‘on track’ is to create a clearly defined routine that is easy to follow and has a little fun sprinkled on top.
Then to start actively planning your week, try answering these 3 simple questions:
What is priority?
What is flexible?
What is non-negotiable?
2. Get involved in a group activity.
One easy and effective way to help get your child off those screens is to find an activity that meets regularly each week so that they can start getting into a rhythm.
Here are a couple of things we recommend looking for when searching for a group activity?
Physical activity
Fine and gross motor skills
Socialization
Community and support
Teamwork
Self-esteem
3. Get out of the house and schedule tech-free times of the day?
This should go into your non-negotiable bucket! The length of this can be flexible, some days it might be 5-minutes, other days it might be 60-minutes. Have a flexible mindset.
One of our favorite ideas for screen-free time is having a weekly dance class that will hold you and your child accountable for getting that screen-free time and whilst getting that physical activity in.
4. Take a deep breath. YOU ARE DOING GREAT!
Your child will become an amazing human being just because of the fact that you care.
Kids are like sponges, so if they see you taking a deep breath and realizing that you are doing great, your kids will surely do the same! Your concerns are indicators of what’s important to you, so use that information to help you prioritize what you take on.
Give yourself grace!
5. Try Something!
So many activities offer a ‘trial’ option, allowing you to check out the activity before committing. Finding the right fit is important and so we have put together our FREE Studio Info Kit to help answer any questions you might have.
If you are ready to explore dance, click here to download your FREE Studio Info Kit to learn more about classes and programs at Heinz Academy for the Performing Arts.
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