How much screen time is actually okay?

C

2w ago1 min read

I know the experts say 1-2 hours but on busy days when I'm trying to get dinner done and help with homework and laundry, the iPad comes out. My 5 year old will watch for like 3 hours if I let her. I feel guilty about it but also like I'm doing the best I can. Am I messing her up? What does everyone else do realistically not what the internet says we should do?

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3 comments134 views

Comments(3)

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LLou P.Regular2w ago

This is exactly what I've been wrestling with too. I've found it helps to not stress about hitting that magic number every single day. Some days we're at 3 hours, some days barely any. What matters is the overall pattern over a week or two.

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PPhil K.Regular2w ago

Honestly, keeping a 5 year old occupied for 20 minutes while you're juggling three things at once sounds like solid parenting to me. The iPad isn't the enemy when you're doing your best.

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GGrant C.Regular2w ago

Man, I get it. Some days you just need 30 minutes of peace to handle dinner and everything else. I think the occasional extra screen time when life gets hectic is totally normal - you're not a bad dad for it.

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