✅ Smart Tips for Screen Time Limits:
1. Follow the 1-Hour Rule
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
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Ages 2–5: No more than 1 hour per day of high-quality screen time.
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Under 2: Very limited screen time (video chatting with family is okay!).
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Think of it as a maximum, not a goal.
2. Pick Quality Over Quantity
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Choose slow-paced, interactive, and age-appropriate shows or apps.
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Look for content that encourages thinking, not just passively watching.
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Examples: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Bluey, Sesame Street, PBS Kids apps
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3. Watch With Your Child When You Can
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Co-viewing helps kids understand what they’re seeing.
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Talk about it: “What happened to the dog? How did he feel?”
4. Create Screen-Free Zones & Times
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Keep screens out of bedrooms, during meals, and 1 hour before bed.
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These simple boundaries protect sleep and family connection.
5. Set a Routine, Not a Timer Battle
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Instead of saying “You get 30 minutes,” try:
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“You can watch after snack, and then we’ll go outside.”
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“After one episode, we’ll do puzzles together.”
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Tie screen time to natural parts of the day.
6. Model Healthy Habits
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Kids copy what we do—if they see adults glued to phones, they’ll want the same.
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Talk aloud when you put your phone away: “I’m turning this off so I can play with you!”
7. Offer Easy Alternatives
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Set out puzzles, crayons, blocks, or bins of toys ahead of time.
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Sometimes screen time is filling a boredom gap—keep other fun options handy.
8. Don’t Stress About Every Day
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Sick day? Travel? Long wait at the doctor’s office? Screens can help.
The goal isn’t perfect—it’s balanced.