3 ways dad limits technology use in his house – Omaha World-Herald

Unless you have lived in a fallout shelter for the last 20 years (it could happen), you are quite aware of the proliferation of technology into our lives.

Right now in our house, there are four laptops, three tablets and five cell phones. Add in the three strategically placed TVs and thats 15 screens for four people. Averaging nearly four screens per person, there is a lot of opportunity for screen time."

This is often what kids will default to.

It's not new information for most parents. I am as guilty as anyone of using the screen as a babysitter for a little while. But as our kids get older, they need to be taught how to manage their time, especially around screens. When we were kids, if our parents wanted us to stop the screen time, they would turn off the TV and tell us to go play. We couldnt carry a screen with us (unless you picked up the 40-pound TV and went looking for an outlet). Now, kids often have a choice of which screen they want. Do they grab the cell phone, the tablet or the laptop? Regardless, they just switch to something different and carry on staring.

Right now Im sure youre asking, Ben, what can I, as a responsible parent, do to thwart this menace to my childs social development? To which I answer, nice usage of the word thwart. But furthermore, there are a few solutions to make technology a useful tool but not the default thought process.

First, limit the time they use screens. That may seem like a blatantly obvious solution, but it can be challenging. Kids are sneaky. Once you go back to your daily routine, they will quickly be back on a screen. And this isnt really a malicious act, they just don't understand that when you tell them to get off the tablet or computer, you mean for the rest of the day. Not just until you look the other way.

Second, give them an alternative they will like (and by give, I mean make them do it). These can include going outside to play, reading a fun book or cleaning their room though that last one may not induce squeals of excitement. Presenting them with an alternative helps the under-developed planning part of their little brains get past what they cant do and see what else is possible.

And third, hide the screen device up someplace high. That one may not seem very fair, but the phrase out of sight, out of mind actually works sometimes. If they dont see the device around the house, they cant absentmindedly grab it. This tactic, by the way, works for us adult-types who may be a little too addicted to screens ourselves.

Ultimately, the best way to help kids recognize how much is too much screen time is to limit our own. Yeah, you may have to stare at one all day for your job, but do you really have to come home and immediately flip on the TV or answer that email on your phone? Dont think your kids arent taking cues from your actions. They watch you just as closely as they watch those screens.

Now go find a screen and turn it off. In the long run, everyone will be better off for it. Its what Im going to do.

Right after I finish this level of Candy Crush on my phone.

Ben Price, a 42-year-old married father of two from Kansas City, Missouri, wrote this guest blog for momaha.com. Outside of being anIT security professional, hespends much of his time in pursuits related to his family, including being a coach, scout leader and kid chauffeur.

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3 ways dad limits technology use in his house - Omaha World-Herald