With the advancement in modern technology, screen time has become a prominent way our society functions. From cellphones to social media advertisements there is always a screen present that eventually reaches children. Children have started to spend more time on their devices than reading or engaging in other activities. Here are some tips to help create more balance between screen time and storytime for kids.

1. Set a Time Limit:

Setting a time limit is a great way to limit screen time. Various children’s accounts require a parent’s authority to create them in the first place. In parental controls, there’s an option to set a limit on their devices. This is a good way to make sure children have limited access to their devices. If that is not an option, setting a timer can also work! The goal here is to limit their screen time as this enables them to engage in other activities.

2. Creating a Routine:

Human beings love routines; Use that to your advantage, and create a routine that balances both! Creating a routine helps kids transition into reading more but also helps you as a parent/individual know what to expect. Start slowly changing your routine to not overwhelm the child. Drastic changes can have more negative effects when not done correctly. Slowly introducing these changes lets children adjust but also makes them less likely to dislike reading. The key for this trick to work is being consistent! If you are not consistent the habit breaks and you’re starting back to square one. To help you build that consistent routine, here’s a freebie from us to help set family goals!

3. Incentives:

Another good way to limit screen time is by making it an incentive. By turning it into an incentive you can help limit screen time naturally. You can make it an incentive for anything, getting good grades, good behavior, etc. This makes it fun for the children while also encouraging them to work for their reward. Positive reinforcement is essential for kids, so use screen time as an incentive.

4. Being an Ideal Model:

Children embody the phrase “Monkey see, Monkey do.” They learn behaviors by watching others around them. If you want children to read more, you need to set an example for them. Find time to read, either by yourself or with them, as this will encourage children to reproduce that behavior. Busy families can listen to audiobooks in the car! They are various ways to help your child grow a love for reading, by being an ideal model. Start reading!

We know that being an ideal model can sometimes be hard, so we’ve created a family values sheet that you can use to keep track of how you and your kids are striving to hit your goals.

Hopefully, these tips and tricks help you and encourage children to read more and also have a more balanced routine between Screen time and storytime!

Yatziry Linares-Lozano is a senior at Eastern Michigan University studying Graphic Design. She loves designing and traveling. You’ll see her watching movies/series or playing volleyball in her free time.

The post Balancing Screen Time with Story Time appeared first on Maria Dismondy.