Screen free

Bubble time Indoor play grounds Park Sensory activities (Pinterest has a lot of sensory and overall activities )

This happens when our LO has gotten sick. I always regret using it. But we just try to do a detox, say no & offer other game/toy ideas for him to play. He’s not 100% screen free, but when he’s sick he definitely watches more than he needs to! Just try to cut back when you can afterwards & the tantrums will get less & less (:

I was very “no screen time” but found it wasn’t realistic after a certain age because other families have it on when we go over and then my son became transfixed. We do ten minutes which for his age group I felt was a good amount of time without there being tantrums. The other key is using a timer. Then when the timer goes off, they know that it’s all done and we do something else. Then instead of us turning it off randomly and being like “what the heck” there is a clear boundary set that he understands. We call it “daddy tv time” because him and his dad watch ten minutes in the morning together snuggled on the couch. Sometimes my husband “forgets” to set the alarm and then turns it off much later and then my son gets upset. Trying to help my husband stick to the system so that no one is upset. Also, the type of television is very important. Anything high energy always ensues a meltdown because I take it as giving your kid coffee and not having the emotional capacity to regulate.

We compared Mickey Mouse clubhouse and Mickey Mouse shorts to ms Rachel and Sesame Street and my son would have full blown meltdowns after Mickey EVERY SINGLE TIME. My husband and I both watched it and both felt like it was way too high energy and it was too much. Did ms Rachel and Sesame Street, world of difference. Less fights, lots of engagement and honestly gets up and is over it after a while. I we have tried Disney movies but once there is dialogue, my son has no interest. I’d say if you want to do tv time, have strict boundaries and pick quality edutainment that will keep everyone relaxed and calm. Other great shows are Daniel tiger, Mr Rodger’s, and the ones I have mentioned below. Hope that helps for when you do want to do tv time!