In a world filled with screens, it’s easy to forget why we limit how much time our kids spend in front of them. It’s not just about keeping them away from screens; it’s about helping their growing minds, keeping them focused, and reducing distractions. Too much screen time can cause problems like making it hard to concentrate, feeling overwhelmed, and getting tired.
As a parent, I understand this struggle. Even though my kids know they shouldn’t use screens too much, it’s tough to make sure they don’t when I’m not around. But there’s an even bigger problem. They don’t always know what to do with their free time. We’ve given them lots of toys and fun things to do, but they often lose interest quickly. Research shows that kids can only stay interested in one thing for about 15–30 minutes.
So, why is this a daily challenge? It’s because our kids’ lives today are different from when we were young. They don’t have grandparents or family telling them stories all the time. Even older people today are often busy with their phones and computers. Our kids’ world is full of scheduled playdates, unlike our casual visits with friends.
Recently, a wise person told me something important: “All kids need is other kids.” This made me realize that, even though we have all these modern things, we’re missing a sense of community. We need to create new communities where kids and families feel comfortable at each other’s houses. This will help them spend less time on screens and learn important things like being kind and thankful.
But for now, we have to make the best of what we have. I’ve replaced the time we used to spend with people by doing activities that help my kids learn and grow. Through my brand, TheLilKIdCo, I use stories to talk, have fun, and teach them important lessons. It’s a way to explore exciting imaginary worlds together.
I can’t say I’ve completely stopped them from using screens, but we need to find a balance between old and new ways. Our kids need to learn how to live in a small world but still be connected to the big one. Too much screen time can make them see only a small part of the world, but we can use different things and activities to help them discover the world outside.
In the end, humans are social creatures. We need each other, and our kids are no different.