How to Unplug your Plugged in Nerd

How much screen time to too much? Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics have changed recently and suggest a sliding scale depending on the personality of the individual child. The AAP does not consider time spent online completing homework or while at school as screen time. That is all well and good but how do we actually get our kids to unplug. Studies have shown that too much screen time can become an addiction if not remedied. If your nerd is turning down invitations to spend time with their friends in real life you may be looking at a more serious problem than just the love of video games and computers. Here are some tips to help unplug your plugged in child.

Setting the timer

Having a 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off schedule for computers, tablets, TV, and cell phones is a good way to incorporate balance into your life. During the 20 minutes that they are off the computer, they should be doing something active. Going outside to take the dog for a walk, walking around the block, helping make dinner, or just simply having some time alone are all beneficial breaks from technology.

Password Protection

Many kids cannot be responsible enough to step away from the computer on their own for a break. Setting up a password system is a good way to manage your nerds time on the screen. You may need to change passwords daily or even sometimes several times a day to help your child get in the habit of taking a break from the screen.

Before Screen Time Checklist

Having a checklist of what needs to be done before computer time is something that works with children who are responsible enough to follow a schedule. This is what I have found works for my own children. We have a checklist that includes pet care, self-care including taking a shower, packing your lunch for tomorrow, and getting in a little daily exercise by either going for a walk with one of the dogs or going out and playing in the pool for a while. Once the checklist is complete they are able to do 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the rest of the evening.

Out Of Sight

Another good way to help monitor computer time is to make sure all computers and screens are out of the bedroom unless they are locked. Kids have been known to play at night once the parents are in bed. This goes for cell phones as well. Having a charging station in the living room is a good way to deter late-night gaming sessions.

The most important takeaway when trying to figure out how to unplug your plugged in nerd is to be a good role model. Your kid should know what your face looks like and not just the top of your head. You need to learn to take a break from your cell phones, computers, and television. Go out and play in the pool with the kids, take a walk with the dogs together, have dinner together with no phones at the table and ringers should be turned off so no one is shoveling food in to see what text came in. If they see you with your face in the screen all day they are more likely to follow suit. Be a good example for your little nerd.

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