Let's talk about Healthy Screen Time.  As a former teacher and a mom, I'm sharing my tips for creating healthy screen time in your household!

Thank you to Amazon Appstore Family and Red Tricycle for sponsoring this post. 

Let's talk screen time.  Technology is an amazing thing, and I love that it offers opportunities to expand our children's worlds.  Now that Lydia is in elementary school, she has the opportunity to use some amazing programs at school and I wanted to compliment that with a small amount of healthy screen time at home.

Healthy Screen Time: What Does It Look Like?

So what does healthy screen time look like? Let's be honest, this is BUSY season.  From holiday travel to out of the norm schedules, things are a little different than usual.  One of the times I'm especially thankful for great technology and a little healthy screen time? Travel days.  We always bring a tablet for Lydia to use on airplanes, and keep it loaded with kid appropriate options.

My tips for healthy screen time?

1. Keep the time reasonable: For the most part, screen time is fine when, like most things…..it's done in moderation.  My suggestion? We allot a little time for Lydia to watch TV, use apps or games that we've approved after school.  She doesn't use a tablet at bedtime, or in the morning before school.  On travel days? ABSOLUTELY.  While I'm finishing my work? We often sit side by side, and she uses a learning app.  Then we do a screen free activity together.
2. Keep it age appropriate: This is KEY.  One of my favorite tools? Amazon's Appstore Family.  This awesome tool from Amazon sorts apps by age and experience.  Looking for a game? You can sort by age.  A learning tool? Those are sorted too.  It's a great place to find games and apps that your child uses at school (we did) along with getting suggestions for new options and releases.  With winter break and winter travel approaching, it's the perfect time to load age appropriate activities onto a device.  That way, you know what your children are using. Bonus, you can sign up for the Parents Club Newsletter to be alerted of cool new releases and apps to download!
3. Monitor Usage: Screen time shouldn't be totally independent for kids.  Check what your children are using.  Have them show you HOW they use a game or app.  Make it interactive!

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What do you think? Do you have any tips for healthy screen time?!?