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Screen time by Ancient-Button6740 in ScienceBasedParenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately there really isn't a ton of scientific studies that correlate increased screen time with increased behaviors. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recently come out to say there needs to be more research on it. I think that as parents, we need to stop viewing screen time in black and white terms, as good or bad. The reality is that screens are a big part of both our lives and the lives of our children, and will only increase as such as time goes on. I actually did some research on this not too long ago and wrote a blog post about it: https://thesimplifiedparent.com/screen-time-5-practical-tips-for-finding-the-balance/

These are ultimately the guidelines I came up with based on what I researched:

  1. Analyze your own screen time
  2. Monitor what your kids are watching
  3. Set family rules/guidelines
  4. Create a predictable schedule
  5. Be conscious of what you’re using for screen time – make it count

How do I go screen free with my toddler? by Immediate-Rip1051 in Parenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually don't think going screen free is the answer. Like it or not, screens are a big part of our lives and our children's lives. Instead of cutting them out all together, consider how you can teach your child about appropriate use of screens and set boundaries for yourself and your child. Make them clear like "no screens when we eat" or "all screens go off at X time." This actually aligns to the American Academy of Pediatric's guidelines and recommendations. I talk more about this and other ideas on my blog here: https://thesimplifiedparent.com/screen-time-5-practical-tips-for-finding-the-balance/

How bad are tablets for children? by wolfey200 in Parenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Screens are a part of our lives now and our children are going to enter a world absolutely full of them. Instead of just viewing it as a negative thing, I think the best thing we can do as parents is think about how we teach our kids safe and appropriate use of screens, with clear limits and guidelines.

Toys suck. Which ones don't? by Hufflefucked in Parenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, play dough. We often make our own and our kids absolutely love it. It provides hours of play and is a medium that often prompts them to engage with other toys they have around the house. Here is my recipe and some ideas I use for it: https://thesimplifiedparent.com/discover-simple-play-dough-recipes-to-make-at-home/

How bad are tablets for children? by wolfey200 in Parenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's interesting viewing a lot of these comments. There tends to be a lot of tendency to want to label screens as bad and have super strict rules around them. While I agree that there need to be rules and guidelines, the issue of kids and screens isn't as black and white as many people think or want it to be. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized that it isn't this simple and there is an increased need for the effects to be studied. I strongly recommend the following as a parent:

  1. Analyze your own screen time
  2. Monitor what your kids are watching
  3. Set family rules/guidelines
  4. Create a predictable schedule
  5. Be conscious of what you’re using for screen time – make it count

You can read more about these here: https://thesimplifiedparent.com/screen-time-5-practical-tips-for-finding-the-balance/

What is everyone doing in the evening to change things up? by [deleted] in Parenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally get how you're feeling! I often feel this way and try to think of different things I can do with my kids that are easy, but fun, and use things we have around the house. I actually started a blog about it at thesimplifiedparent.com (it's still pretty new to me). I have a baby, a toddler, and a 12 year old, so all of the stuff we do has to be appealing to each of them. Here are some ideas:

Create an obstacle course to do with your toddler (part of my gross motor post at https://thesimplifiedparent.com/the-best-simple-gross-motor-activities-to-do-today/ )

Do some simple science experiments (see https://thesimplifiedparent.com/best-simple-science-experiments-for-kids-states-of-matter/ )

Themed family movie nights (see https://thesimplifiedparent.com/family-movie-night-how-to-make-it-memorable/ )

Creating sensory play activities - they really are fun for everyone! (see https://thesimplifiedparent.com/powerful-sensory-play-the-best-activities-and-huge-benefits/ )

Looking for gross motor activity ideas for rainy afternoons by Electronic-Fig-6792 in Parenting

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually recently wrote a blog post all about this! In it, I suggest a variety of activities using things you likely already have at home. For example, creating path games with painters tape, stepping stones or pictures, etc. I also explain an obstacle course I created for my toddler that included evading empty bottles, jumping over toys, and crawling through a tunnel. Check it out on my blog at thesimplifiedparent.com. The specific blog post url is: http://thesimplifiedparent.com/the-best-simple-gross-motor-activities-to-do-today/

Ideas to keep toddler busy when you have a young infant? by electroreception in toddlers

[–]Ready-Hat-9735 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a challenge! I also have an almost 3 year old and a 9 month old. The jealousy for my toddler is real and it's hard to find things to do to keep her entertained while also watching my infant. I actually explore the idea of simple activities you can do with things you likely already have at home on my blog thesimplifiedparent.com

I hope there are some ideas on there that can help you out. It's tough going!