Why I'm Okay With Screen Time

Screen time is often made out to be an almost evil way for kids to spend their time, and parents who allow more than a very limited amount of screen time, are often labeled as lazy. Screen time isn't always a bad thing though. I allow my kids pretty free access to our television and their tablet, as long as they don't let it consume their entire day, and they stay active and work on other activities through out the day. Here are a few reasons I don't put strict limits on screen time in our house:

We Live In The Technology Age

There's really no way around it. We live in a world full of technology and screens. There are screens in the check out lines at the grocery store, the drink dispenser at the pizza place, and at the photo kiosk at the drug store. We take pictures with digital cameras. More and more college courses are being offered online. Our kids need to learn how to use the technology needed to function in today's world. Learning to use a tablet or a computer can help develop the skills needed to use today's technology.

Screen Time Can Be Educational

Screen time can be educational. As homeschoolers, we often use documentaries, learning apps, and educational websites as part of our learning.

Some of our favorite on screen learning resources are:

-YouTube: you can find videos about just about anything on YouTube.

-Netflix: We watch tons of animal documentaries on Netlfix. They also currently have all the old Magic School Bus episodes and their own spin off series: The Magic School Bus Rides Again. My girls love both of them.

-Math Apps: My daughter does a lot of her math practice playing various math games she has downloaded on her tablet.

-Starfall: Starfall is a great website with lots of math and reading games for Preschoolers and early elementary students. They also have an app for tablets and phones.

-Kahn Academy: Kahn Academy offers free complete online courses in several different subjects for kids K-12th grade.

Gives Me Time To Get Things Done

Lets face it, kids make it really hard to get things like picking up the house or reorganizing your school cupboard done. Sometimes I really just need a half hour to get the house clean without any little humans following me around undoing everything as I go. Putting on a favorite movie or television show will usually keep my kids calm and occupied long enough for me to get a couple chores done.

Even Kids Need Down Time

In today's busy non stop world, everyone needs time to kick back and relax, even kids. Sometimes vegging out in front of a favorite movie is the perfect way to do that. My family loves making a good snack and sitting down together for family movie night once or twice a week. It's a great way to end a busy day.

How do you handle screen time in your house?

If you enjoyed this post, check out:

-Why We Don't Do Bedtimes

-It's Healthy To Let Your Kids Be Bored Sometimes

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