SCREENTIME TACTICS FOR HOMESCHOOLERS

Special guests Dr. Meghan Owenz and her husband Adam peel back the curtain on the negative effects of too much screentime and the addictive quality of games and programs created for children. But better yet, they provide practical tips for managing screens with a healthy attitude, accepting that they can enrich our lives as long as they are their proper place.  Meghan's book: Spoiled Right, Delaying Screens And Giving Children What They Really Need Screen-Free Parenting. QUOTABLES Meghan "...about a fifth of adults say they can't control their media use ... your child's prefrontal cortex isn't fully developed until they're 25. So expecting them to do something that's not designed to be regulated with a brain that isn't designed to regulate yet, just temper your expectations of what they're able to do." ★★★ LISTENER COUPON CODE Request your coupon code to use on any purchase at bookshark.com. Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com. TIMESTAMPS 07:39 Some of us grew up when devices were in a fixed spot in the house. Now devices are everywhere, with us 24-7. 09:18 The science behind the impact of screen time on our kids: SWAAT — sleep, weight, aggression, attention, and talking. 13:11 Screentime in this episode refers to entertainment not using devices for school work, research, or creating something.  13:37 How screentime impacts creativity. While IQ scores are increasing, creativity measures are going down for children. 18:08 We use the same devices for work/school and entertainment. For kids to make that switch without getting distracted takes a level of self-control that most of them simply don't have.  18:30 Use physical cues and boundaries to help kids with screentime. 18:57 Advice for the parent who's feeling guilty about screentime. 25:04 What about letting some kids watch TV while you're working with others on their homeschool? 27:22 Five screen-free activities that have the biggest bang for the developmental buck, providing positive social outcomes, cognitive outcomes, and physical development outcomes: the SPOIL system, which stands for social activity, play, outdoors, independent work, and literacy.  31:51 What about the family who has allowed unfettered screentime and now wants to establish some healthy standards? 33:22 Instituting a screen-free day each week.  35:01 Having screen restrictions on spaces often works better than time limits. SPECIAL SEGMENTS 01:35  Hacks of the Week  To curb screentime, prepare a box of special toys. Read 5 minutes of a parenting book daily. 22:53 A Reflection Go slow!  The importance of modeling. If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.