Screen time guilt is real

Jun 251 min read

Had my kids on tablets for like 4 hours yesterday while I was working in the garage. They were watching YouTube videos and playing some random games and honestly they were happy and I got stuff done but then I kept thinking about all those articles about screen time frying their brains. My oldest is 8 and some days it feels like I'm failing him by not being more strict about it. Everyone says limit it to an hour but that's not realistic in my house. Anyone else dealing with this guilt or am I just overthinking it?

6 comments135 views

Comments(6)

NNathanRegularJun 26

4 hours is rough but real talk, sometimes you gotta get stuff done and screens are there for a reason. I wouldn't beat yourself up about one day in the garage. Just try to balance it out the next day if you can.

MMikeRegularJun 25

What were they watching? That matters more than the hours honestly. Educational stuff is different than mindless scrolling. Either way, don't spiral on this. We all do it.

JJosh M.RegularJun 26

The guilt is always worse than the actual impact. I had my three on screens while I was working too and they turned out fine. The key is making sure it's not every day. One 4 hour day won't hurt them.

SScottRegularJun 26

The key is not beating yourself up about it. Kids need to learn how to entertain themselves sometimes and honestly a few hours on tablets isn't going to ruin them. I try to mix it up with outdoor time but some days you gotta do what you gotta do.

NNolan D.RegularJun 25

I get the guilt but real talk - you were being productive in the garage. That's teaching your kids that work matters and sometimes we all need to focus on our own stuff. Way better than them thinking they need your attention 24/7.

MMikeRegularJun 25

Man, 4 hours isn't even that bad if you're getting work done. I had to let mine zone out on YouTube for like 5 hours last weekend while I was dealing with some stuff around the house. The guilt is way worse than the actual screen time.