Making a summer schedule can help in reducing screen time battles and keeping kids active! Set up a routine for summer that include screen time limits.
With summer fast approaching our kids will have much more free time available. That doesn’t mean it’s a free for all to binge on screens.
As we head into summer let’s make a plan to set limits on screens. By setting up limits from the start it will help avoid battles later.
How much screen time is too much?
Screen time can be a hot topic in our house even with a limit in place. As a mom I am aware of the effect screen time can have on the attitude of my children. There have been many times when I have allowed more screen time than normal so that I could finish up cleaning the house or get some work done. Then when I ask them to get off screens the whiny voices start or arguing with me or other siblings happens.
I don’t know of a study that specifically addresses the effect screen time has on child behavior, but I have been a witness to how it affects my own children’s behavior. I found this article from Psychology Today by Victoria L. Dunckley, M.D. very informative on how screen time can effect sleep and brain function in children.
In our house I know screen limits are important. I don’t want most of their summer spent in front of a screen.
For summer, the screen rules change some and I like to allow for some more freedom of screens , but I also don’t want it to rule the day or the minds of my kids.
Rules For Summer Screen Time
With my children’s input we came up with a Summer Schedule to keep their minds active and engaged. There are requirements that need to be met each day before they may have screen time.
Having a daily checklist that includes chores, creativity, educational activities and movement gives your kiddos a routine for summer that keeps them active while still allowing device time.
Here is our summer schedule:
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Summer Morning Routine
- 8 am wake-up
- make bed
- get dressed
- brush teeth & hair
- eat breakfast
30 Minutes of Exercise or Outside Play
- ride bikes or scooter
- go for a walk
- work-out DVD or YouTube kids dance video
- swim
- jump rope
- play at a park
20 Minutes Reading
- chapter book
- Bible
- devotion book
- Kindle book
- audio book
Math Review
- flash cards
- timed test
- math game
- worksheet
- math lesson
20 Minutes Writing or Coloring
- write a short story
- draw a picture
- color a picture
- write in journal
- practice writing your name
Do Chore(s)
- weekly chore
- 1 paid chore
Be Creative
- make or build something ( Legos, cardboard, paper)
- make a craft
- do a puzzle
- create with play-doh
- use a sticker book
- do a science experiment
- draw
These books help to spark the creative juices in my kids. Check them out!
Be Helpful and Think of Others
- play with a family member
- ask if there is a job you can do
- help a neighbor
This schedule keeps my kids active until lunch time. We have been using this summer schedule for 5 years now! It works so well. The kids know what is expected of them before they can ask for media time. I also have a good time being active and creative with them!
Get Your Summer Schedule Printable
What schedule do you use with your kids during the summer? Are screens a hot topic for your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
♥Love this post? You can find more fun summer activities here:
7+ Simple and Fun Summer Activities For Kids
5 Free and Low Cost Summer Activities for Families
