Screen time battle is killing me

3w ago·1 min read

So my 6 year old now asks for a tablet before breakfast. BEFORE. And I hate that I sometimes let him have it just for some peace while I'm getting ready for work. But then I feel guilty all day. Anyone else stuck in this cycle? I know the recommendations say like max 1-2 hours a day for this age but some days he's getting way more than that. Trying to set boundaries but man it's hard when he just melts down about it.

4 comments187 views

Comments(4)

KKyleRegular2w ago

What helped us was having something else the kids could do first thing in the morning without screens. Like building blocks or drawing. Then tablets come out later if they've earned it. The key is having a plan before they ask.

MMatt B.Regular3w ago

The before breakfast ask is brutal. That's when you know the habit is forming. We set a hard rule that screens don't come out until after lunch and it took maybe two weeks of pushing back before it stuck.

MMike T.New Dad3w ago

I feel this so hard. One of my kids did the same thing and I caved way too often. Eventually we had to sit down and I explained that breakfast time is family time. Took a few rough mornings but he stopped asking.

AAlex R.New Dad3w ago

6 year old is learning what he can negotiate you into. The guilt thing is real but giving in early morning is the worst because it sets the tone for the whole day. Try replacing it with something else he asks for at breakfast instead.