In a world where technology is an integral part of our lives, it's no surprise that children are growing up surrounded by screens. For parents, managing screen time and setting healthy boundaries can be a daunting task. That's why we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, mother of three, and the founder of the groundbreaking parenting community Good Inside, to discuss the crucial topic of tech and kids.
"I'm just really excited to be sharing manageable ideas for parents to deal with the day-to-day interactions they have with our kids around screens," says Dr. Becky on a recent episode of The Breakdown with Bethany on Mom.com. "I think there's a lot of guilt around screens. And my favorite thing to do truly, the thing that gets me out of bed every day is to share with parents. There's not like simple in an easy way, but simple in a not overly complex way that we can feel more empowered and less fearful and anxious and guilty as parents."
One tool that can help parents navigate the complex world of screen time is Amazon Kids devices, equipped with features designed to manage screen time limits, deliver educational content, and provide opportunities for children to explore their passions through carefully curated content. Let's take a closer look at how Amazon Kids is revolutionizing the way families approach screen time.
Setting Screen Time Limits with Amazon Kids
With Amazon Kids, parents can set daily screen time limits for each child, ensuring that they strike a healthy balance between technology and other activities. This feature empowers parents to enforce boundaries without the need for constant monitoring or arguments.
Dr. Becky emphasizes the importance of setting limits: "So I know in my house, if my kid has a big screen time meltdown, it's often 'cause I end it this way — my kids on their screen, screen, I'm not engaged. I'm, like, in the kitchen. And then, randomly one moment, I'm like, 'Ooh shoot,' they've been on longer than I want them to. And I'm upset. And then I just yell at them because I think I'm mad at myself."
Instead, Dr. Becky suggests connecting with your kids through screen time. "What if we were connected through their screen time? What if that was a part of our relationship instead of something totally separate from our relationship?" she says. "And then in that way, what's so beautiful is when screen time ends, they still have that connection between you, even though the screen world ended and kids do a lot better in those situations 'cause they don't feel alone."
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Dr. Becky's insights remind us that it's possible to approach screen time management with confidence and ease, fostering healthier relationships between kids and screens in the process.
As parents, we can take these tools and insights to heart, creating a more harmonious tech environment in our homes and helping our children harness the positive potential of technology while minimizing its drawbacks.
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