Screens are no longer a parent or old generation thing. Today toddlers already know the importance of smartphone and Televisions. Actually they know when the device is connected to internet and what they should do with the gadgets.

It’s a great definition of children grow up and learn so fast. I think the current generation is born advanced or learn too fast. Today children spend loads of time on the screen and less on outdoor activities. In layman’s thinking it’s an incredible way to contain the kids in doors. However, its total opposite and healthy risk to your baby.

Screen time is relaxing and nice when done in moderation.  The best strategy is for parents/ guardians to engage in screen time with their toddlers to help them learn most. Note that exposure to screen devices is increasing, and concerns about the effects of screen time on toddlers is alarming. Try to improve screen time management for your toddlers to shape a brighter future for them.

Screen time

This is the time spent with screen devices like televisions, computers, or mobile devices.

What is the best screen time approach for toddlers?

Being strict or denying your toddler or older kids watch time is not the key to solve screen time. However, the discipline and approach is what will give a lasting impression. Children watching habits are equal to adults. Actually most adults have no control over their phone and TV.  Though their set timeframes of one hour for children less than five and two hours for kids about five. The timings are unrealistic based on every user’s livelihood. Parents need to understand what is best and what is harmful. One can allow for three plus hours throughout the day or have short breaks to allow for other activities

 Screen time management for toddlers

It is suitable for parents to have the best screen time management for their toddlers so they can use digital technology in balanced and healthy ways. Here are tips for better screen time management for toddlers. They comprise;

• Have rules about screen time

As a parent or guardian, you must have rules for your toddler on when to use the screen and include time limits to help them balance screen time with other activities like;

• Playing games with other kids
• Making friends and study

• Make strategies for short screen time sessions.

Let the toddler have short screen time sessions while using digital gadgets and take regular breaks. Getting up and moving around for other activities is essential for your toddler’s growth development. A parent can do this by emphasizing the toddler to;

• Engage in another activity when screen time is up.
• Have a timer to set breaks for screen time for the toddler to know screen time is over.

• Avoid screen time use before bed.

When the child is addicted to screens, they are likely to get to sleep more quickly than when they are not on screen. The use of screens before bed can affect how your toddler falls asleep; hence, it is beneficial for you to have screen time management for your toddlers.

• Don't provide your toddler with screen devices.

Let your toddler stay away from your screen devices like mobile phones or laptops. This will minimize the time the toddler spends on TVs and the one they spend on their phones.

• Fun  activities for your toddler

Help your toddler find other ways to have fun, like creative activities, which include telling stories or drawing and painting, which are essential for your toddler’s development. These activities will help them learn to experiment, think, and solve problems. It’s a great way to distract toddlers from spending all their time on the screen.

• Keep screen devices out of bedrooms.

Parents or guardians must keep devices like mobile phones or laptops out of their toddler’s bedroom at night. This will keep your toddler from using them to play games at night.

• Be a role model.

If your kids see you spending more time on screens, they will likely do the same. Kids learn by watching what their parents are doing and mimicking their behaviors.

Risks of too much screen time on toddlers

When toddlers spend too much time on screen, some risks like cognitive are encountered later in the child’s life. Most developmental functions in the early years are easily affected by environmental influences like screen usage.

Here are some of the risks of too much screen time for toddlers. They include;

• Weight gain to the toddler

For instance, toddlers spend a lot of time in front of a screen; they eat and drink while watching. This will expose the toddler to increased risks of obesity as the meals need some exercise while being digested.

• Inadequate sleep

Increased exposure to screen devices in the bedroom will cause the child to have inadequate sleep as more time will be spent on phones or laptops. Make sure screen time management for your toddler is used appropriately.

• There is no time for being active in other activities

Too much screen use will involve the toddler in other activities that benefit the child's development.

Healthy ways to allow my toddler to have screen time

Screen time is sometimes good for your toddler, especially when parents or guardians have a guide to screen use. Here are some tips for parents to guide their kids on-screen use;

They are as follows;

• Be there to lead by example by using screen devices mindfully yourself
• Watch with your toddler and advise them about what they are viewing
• Have a schedule for non-screen activities and consider making certain areas of the home screen-free
• Try to teach your toddler good habits and limit early on-screen use
• Make sure you observe your kid's screen usage to ensure safe and age-appropriate watch
• Have rules on screen time, like no watching at mealtime or bedtime, in order to have the best screen time management for your toddlers.