The debate on whether limiting screen time (TV, movies, video games) is a good practice is discussed in a variety of circles. I do think some screen time needs to be restricted, but that’s just my opinion from personal experience. I’m no professional on the matter or anything.
It has been a somewhat regular occurrence, about three times a year, where I find that there are a number of incomplete assignments scattered throughout Care Bear’s various subjects. I don’t micromanage things – I simply expect them to be done, and when I do check on them, I expect it to be complete. At 13, I should not have to do a complete run down of each subject at the end of every day. Well, this past week I discovered a number of assignments where I allowed more than one day to complete it, but only the first day’s work was done. Frustrated? Yes. Did she get a lecture? Yep. Still, amidst my very annoyed inner self, I tried to remain calm. What was the root of the problem? Well, Care Bear, just like many 13 year olds, tends to put TV and video games at a pretty high priority. Work that was intended to finish “later” quickly becomes forgotten in this priority of relaxing as soon as the clock strikes 3pm.
Solution? No TV or video games all weekend.
Maybe I’m the only one in my family that thoroughly enjoyed this weekend with less screen time, but I thought the result was fabulous. All of us stayed closer together throughout the weekend because we didn’t have as many things distracting us or keeping us “busy”, away from our family. We played games together, chatted, laughed, and Care Bear assures me all her assignments are now up to date.
Too often, I feel like Little Miss gets left out because everyone else is so “busy” with what they are doing online. She does get a lot of loving, positive attention, don’t get me wrong, but I think the number of hours she sees us with a nice monitor glow on our face is far too much. Should we restrict screen time more often? I’d love to! We’ll see if Hubby agrees… I think it will be a hard sell.
To be honest, I’m in front of the computer very often, and I feel guilty about it. Then again, is it worse than sitting in front of a book, or knitting? I’m not sure. I’m just looking forward to it being nicer outside again and getting all of us out of the house more often, in sha Allah!
How much screen time do you allow? What are your thoughts on restrictions?
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