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Expert Shopper Baby & Kids

Pediatric occupational therapist explains how to keep your kids entertained without increasing screen time

Expertly reviewed by Aimee Ketchum

Limit your kids’ screen time with these toys

Technology is a helpful tool for connecting cultures and saving lives. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful. While TV shows help kids learn colors or give parents a much-needed break, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows too much screen time is linked to harmful health and developmental concerns.

BestReviews baby and child expert Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist with 27 years of experience in pediatrics, shared their insights on how to limit screen time for children.

Shop this article: Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk, PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set, National Geographic Stunning Science Chemistry Set

What to know about kids and screen time

While screen time is not inherently bad, too much can be problematic. The AAP recommends children under 18 months have no screen time, and those from 18 to 24 months have no screen time besides video chatting with family members. 

“Children ages 2 through 5 should have one hour or less of screen time per day of high-quality programming and co-viewing with parents,” Ketchum added. “However, all children should be encouraged to avoid screens and participate in interactive activities as much as possible instead.”

How does screen time negatively affect children?

Excessive screen time can lead to adverse issues, including:

  • Sleeping problems
  • Lower grades
  • Reading fewer books
  • Not enough physical activity, which can contribute to weight problems
  • Mood problems
  • Poor self-image and body issues
  • Language development: “Children need to hear at least 1,700 to 2,000 words spoken to them per day just to be in the 75th percentile for language acquisition,” Ketchum said. “Due to excessive screen time, some children only hear 300 words spoken to them per day.”

How to entertain kids without screen time

Interacting with kids is one of the best ways to entertain them without screen time. Ketchum said interactive activities build social skills, vocabulary, literacy and emotional regulation. 

Screen-free activities to entertain kids

One of Ketchum’s favorite activities for children is arts and crafts because they build motor and visual motor skills. Playing outside is another helpful activity that improves gross motor skills, strength, balance, coordination and contributes to overall health and well-being. 

A few other activities include:

FAQ

Q. What should I do if my child gets upset when I end screen time?

A. According to Ketchum, “Young children should be told the boundaries in advance. If children are absolutely never permitted screens until right before dinnertime, they will not expect it in the morning. Parents should always prepare children that screen time is for a limited time only.” 

“Parents should say, ‘You can watch one show, then we are having dinner,’ or ‘Ten minutes on the iPad, and when the timer goes off, we are playing outside,’ so there is structure, and the expectations are clear from the beginning,” added Ketchum. “It also helps to have another activity ready to go when screen time is over.”

Q. How can parents raise a child without minimal to no screens?

A. “Everyone struggles with screen time, but the longer we can delay children from being occupied with our phones, the better. Put the phone away and interact with the child,” Ketchum said. “Set a good example by not being on your phone all the time, and refrain from giving babies phones to look at in grocery stores and restaurants. There is so much opportunity for interactions and new learning in these places.”

What you need to buy for screen-free play for kids

Kid Made Modern Arts and Crafts Supply Library

Kids can create their craft adventure via imaginative play and self-expression with over 1,000 pieces, such as fuzzy sticks, felt pieces, wood pieces, googly eyes, plastic beads, scissors and more. Plus, everything fits neatly into the divided carrying case for simple cleanup or transportation.

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Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a fun activity for all ages. Its simplicity lets children use their imagination to create a masterpiece. This set includes 36 pieces of chalk in bright, tie dye, neon and glitter colors. It washes away when the rain comes or with a garden hose.

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PicassoTiles 60 Piece Set

This set includes 60 magnetic building tiles in eight colors and geometrical shapes. They’re perfect for creating a castle, an airplane or anything else little minds can imagine. 

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Little Tikes Sandy Lagoon Sand and Water Table

This sand and water table will make kids want to play outside. Half the table is for sand and has a cover to keep bugs out. The other half is for water and features twin slides and a built-in plug for quick draining.

Sold by Amazon

Essenson Outdoor Explorer and Bug Catcher Kit

Kids who enjoy nature and learning about bugs will have hours of fun with this outdoor explorer kit. It includes binoculars with five times power magnification, an insect net, an ecological cage, bug tongs, a flashlight and more. Plus, the compass teaches kids about directions.

Sold by Amazon

Hedbanz Picture Guessing Board Game for Families

This game has six headbands in various designs, including a cat, pirate, crown, unicorn and more. It includes 69 picture cards encouraging children to read, problem solve, build their vocabulary and even regulate their emotions when they win or lose.

Sold by Amazon

National Geographic Stunning Science Chemistry Set

This science kit makes kids feel like real scientists in a lab. Kids can explore 45 experiments with this set, including creating a geyser, launching a rocket and creating chemical reactions. STEM toys are one of the best ways to keep kids away from screens while learning.

Sold by Amazon

Melissa and Doug Jumbo 50 Page Kids’ Coloring Pads Set

For kids who love to color, this set of three coloring books will keep them entertained. The coloring books include black-and-white drawings of animals, vehicles and more. The pages are perforated, so kids can easily tear them out.

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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
 

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