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How to manage screen time for your child this summer vacation?

By
Jun 10, 2019
Parenthood

Summer vacation definitely means that you don’t have to wake up early to prepare your child’s school lunch. But it also means that your child has a lot of time on hand to kill. And the easiest way for them to do that is to play their favourite online game for hours or watch cartoons all day long. Managing your child’s screen time during summer vacation can prove to be a challenge. But these simple steps can help you reduce their screen time and engage them in more constructive activities.

Enrol them in a summer camp

The age old, tried and tested method never fails. What is your child interested in? Do they like to sing and dance? Do they participate in school plays? Are they fond of sports? Find the right summer camp for your child. This will help to keep them engaged in an activity they love and enhance their skills. These days, camps are also realising the function of these extra-curricular activities in education. Find a camp that will teach maths while your child learns some new dance steps. Or encourage children to spell words while they learn lines for the new play. This will make sure that your child does not forget things learnt at school.

Find family time

Summer vacations don’t only mean not going to school. It is also a good excuse to spend more time with parents and siblings. But your child’s summer vacation may not mean that you can stay home from work. Solve this problem by encouraging your child to join you in household chores. Let them dry the glasses while you do the dishes. Or let them colour their drawings at the kitchen table while you cook dinner. This can also be the appropriate way to make them revise their studies. Can they count the number of glasses they dried and the number of dishes you are washing? How many total utensils does that make? Can they write the spellings of the objects that they are colouring? But do not scold them for making mistakes. Remember that they should enjoy their time with you.

Family dinner is always special

After a long day at work, you may find it more inviting to eat dinner in front of the television. But that would mean additional screen time for your child. Instead, make sure that everyone has their dinner together, away from the television or any form of gadget. Share interesting anecdotes from your day and encourage your child to do the same. Show interest in what they saw or read all day. You can also set them a fun task to complete for the next day so that look forward to sharing their progress at dinner. This will not only ensure limited screen time for your child but also curb brain drain while away from school.

Give them games, not homework

No child likes to study during summer vacation. But if you can turn their homework into a game, they will not only enjoy doing it, they will also look forward to similar activities. If it is time for maths, give them maths games like counting the number of ingredients that go into making their favourite smoothie. And if they get it right then the smoothie is the reward. Or if it is time for English , let them draw a picture of all their favourite items in the house and then spell their name. Put up these drawings on the refrigerator as a reward for their hard work. Encourage them to learn with fun and you will reduce brain drain in no time.

Set a time table

It is not always possible to be personally present and control your child’s screen time. But it is possible to get them engaged with learning apps that give you the control over the amount of time they spend playing. Learning games are available for all grades and subjects. Find the ones that offer engaging visuals, interesting rounds and parental control.

Managing screen time can be a challenge. But with proper planning you can ensure that your child does not overshoot the screen time, and yet does not feel bored during the vacations. Start with some fun and engaging learning games at https://subscribe.skidos.com/

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