How to Reduce Screen Time Battles This Summer (Without Becoming the Screen Time Police)
Summer is here.
Which means your kids are home. All. Day. Long.
And if your house is anything like mine, someone is asking for screens before you've finished your coffee.
I do love a good movie and a snuggle, but when I have to be a productive member of society…or just my household, I don't want my kids turning into little screen zombies who emerge from the couch at dinner asking for snacks.
So instead of fighting the same battle 47 times a day, I created two simple systems:
The Screen Time Flow Chartand The Screen Time Side Hustle.
Because if they're going to spend time on screens this summer, they can at least make it worth my while!
The Screen Time Flow Chart
The Screen Time Flow Chart helps answer the question:
"What should I do before I ask for screens?"
Kids follow a simple visual & written checklist that can be edited for your needs but might include:
✔ Get dressed
✔ Brush teeth
✔ Fuel before you screen
✔ Move your body
✔ Complete responsibilities
Instead of asking you every ten minutes, they follow the chart.
Less negotiating. More independence. = GAME CHANGER!!
The Screen Time Side Hustle
For your child who is highly motivated by rewards...
Or, as adults call it, "having a job."
The Screen Time Side Hustle turns chores and responsibilities into screen time currency.
Need screen time?
Earn it.
Suddenly the question changes from:
"Can I have my tablet?"
to
"What can I do to earn tablet time?"
And honestly, that's a much better question.
Grab Your Free Screen Time Printables
RIGHT HERE
If you're looking for a simple way to reduce screen time battles, encourage responsibility, and create a little more structure this summer, grab these free customizable Canva templates.
Will they solve every parenting challenge?
Absolutely not.
Will they help?
Hopefully…and if not…hell, they were free! 😆
And if your kids are going to become screen-loving goblins this summer anyway, they might as well unload the dishwasher first.
xo
Katie
