How to Build Healthy Device Habits in Our Children

The other day I had an out of body experience. It was as if I saw myself from the eyes of my children. And I was disappointed in what I saw. In this digital age, I’ve been so concerned about how to protect my kids from negative social media or how to behave in public without a device, that I’ve been blind to the habits of my own and how they are affecting my children. It made me wonder what I can do to help build healthy device habits in our children.

My vision hit me so hard at first as flashes of all the times I’ve ever stared at my phone while I’m in the presence of my kids made me stop and think about my own device habits.

Leading by Example to Build Healthy Device Habits in Our Children

When it comes to building healthy device habits in our children, it starts with leading by example.

It’s not easy. In fact, it’s actually really hard to change a habit that is so ingrained into our lives. As a millennial myself, I’ve grown up in the era of the internet and devices, and it’s become a part of me. I’m only finally now realizing the impacts my actions are having on my kids, in real time.

And I am determined to work on building healthier habits for them, but it starts with me. You gotta walk the walk if you’re gonna talk the talk!

Here are some ways as parents, we can lead by example and to build healthy device habits in our children.

Be Mindful

I’ve been called out by my children before for telling them no devices, and then a minute later I’m on my phone doing something or other. They see it. And they start to believe that that’s what’s important. Sometimes, I don’t even realize I am doing it. So practicing mindfulness and being aware of our own habits will help us to stay consistent.

Enjoy The Moment

I realized that when I’m constantly on my device, not only am I setting a horrible example for my kids, but I am missing out on quality time with my family that I will never get back. The best way to do this is to put the devices away, out of arm’s reach. It’s so hard to ignore the constant notifications every minute, so out of sight out of mind.

And I have to say, the little moments we’ve created when we’re consciously avoiding our devices have been very special. Instead of scrolling through social media feeds or watching YouTube Kids, we’ve learned how to play poker together, discussed our days while coloring or created art pieces we’re proud of.

Create Limits for the Entire Family

Let’s get real. Devices aren’t going anywhere. We are still going to have device time. But in addition to screen-time settings, it’s also a good practice to create limits, or times in which the entire family follows a no-device rule. Making no-device time at dinner, or in the mornings during the week are good examples.

Do Something Else Instead

With the devices put away, the world is your oyster! Encourage creativity. Read a book. Go on a bike ride or get active as a family. Do a puzzle together or practice a sport.

We get into the habit of breaking off from each other and watching our own phones or the ipad, because it’s easy. But if the devices are out of sight, think about all the fun things you could be doing instead.

Have an Out of Body Experience

And when your feeling at a loss for how to always do the right thing, look at yourself the way your kids look at you. Because, at the end of the day, we’re never going to look back and say “Wow, I really enjoyed scrolling through Instagram” over spending time with my kids and truly enjoying them through every stage of their growth. Let’s face it, the saying “They grow up fast” is so freaking true.

I still have a lot to learn about device monitoring and social media in kids today. But I’m working on building healthy habits in myself and in them, to not only build a better relationship with them and with devices in this digital world, but to create memories in this life that will mean more to me than being behind a screen.

I created this graphic as a quick reminder of how we can all do our part to build healthy device habits in our children. Pin it to share the word and keep as a reminder.