4 ms·

The problem is that parents are using screen time as a nanny, and are training their kids to rely on them as such. IMO, kids need to be taught self-control and

The problem is that parents are using screen time as a nanny, and are training their kids to rely on them as such. IMO, kids need to be taught self-control and have the ability to entertain themselves before screens are introduced. Toddler age is definitely too early, I am in the opinion that as little as necessary until it starts to be required in school. My 2nd grader knows that screens are useful and has seen limited use, wikipedia, video calls, but he is always accompanied by me. And he has no reliance on them.

novok 6y ago
The automated nanny of the past was other kids in the neighbourhood, but due to laws and a culture of helicopter parenting that developed during the 80s/90s, kids are basically forbidden from playing by themselves with local kids unless they are literally next door. Parenting is more work today than it used to be. In the past you sent out your kids to the local neighborhood all day, they came back to fix boo-boos and food and then you tucked them in to sleep. Sometimes you had family game nights or similar or everyone would watch TV / listen to the radio together. Now they must have adult eyes on them 24/7 lest you get CPS called on you.
- jbaber 6y ago
  This 1000 times. About half the time we consciously choose to let our 8-year-old just open a car door or walk across a parking lot independently, some adult scurries over and "Hey! Your kid just carefully walked behind this parked car! Lucky I found his."
- jbaber 6y ago
  This 1000 times. About half the time we consciously choose to let our 8-year-old just open a car door or walk across a parking lot independently, some adult scurries over and "Hey! Your kid just carefully walked behind this parked car! Lucky I found him."
grvdrm 6y ago
+1 to this. I saw a fellow parent dump their kid on an iPad whenever he fussed, regularly, for months. Seemed like he learned that he could whine to get what he wanted (the iPad) rather than learning how to play/interact elsewhere. All parents are guilty of something like this, but I remain firmly in the camp of not handing over the device just because my kid wants or whines for it.

novok 6y ago

The automated nanny of the past was other kids in the neighbourhood, but due to laws and a culture of helicopter parenting that developed during the 80s/90s, kids are basically forbidden from playing by themselves with local kids unless they are literally next door. Parenting is more work today than it used to be. In the past you sent out your kids to the local neighborhood all day, they came back to fix boo-boos and food and then you tucked them in to sleep. Sometimes you had family game nights or similar or everyone would watch TV / listen to the radio together. Now they must have adult eyes on them 24/7 lest you get CPS called on you.

jbaber 6y ago
This 1000 times. About half the time we consciously choose to let our 8-year-old just open a car door or walk across a parking lot independently, some adult scurries over and "Hey! Your kid just carefully walked behind this parked car! Lucky I found his."
jbaber 6y ago
This 1000 times. About half the time we consciously choose to let our 8-year-old just open a car door or walk across a parking lot independently, some adult scurries over and "Hey! Your kid just carefully walked behind this parked car! Lucky I found him."

grvdrm 6y ago

+1 to this. I saw a fellow parent dump their kid on an iPad whenever he fussed, regularly, for months. Seemed like he learned that he could whine to get what he wanted (the iPad) rather than learning how to play/interact elsewhere. All parents are guilty of something like this, but I remain firmly in the camp of not handing over the device just because my kid wants or whines for it.