Unpopular opinion: limiting screen time is worth the battles

6d ago1 min read

My kids complained nonstop for two weeks when we went to max 1 hour a day on weekdays. Now six months in they actually play outside, read more, and stopped the constant whining about being bored. Yeah it was rough but worth it. Their moods are better too. I know everyone's different but if you're on the fence about setting limits I'd encourage you to stick with it past the initial pushback.

11 comments191 views

Comments(11)

MMatteoRegular5d ago

The battles are real but you won. Most parents don't have the guts to stick with limits this strict. Respect for seeing it through.

DDerrick T.New Dad6d ago

The fact that they're actually reading more now is huge. We've seen the same thing in our house and honestly the outdoor play and creativity that comes back is worth every complaint during the adjustment period.

MMatt W.Regular6d ago

Real talk, those first two weeks of complaints are rough but you pushed through. Sounds like it actually stuck because they found other stuff to do instead. That's the win right there.

DDavid R.New Dad6d ago

This gives me hope. Everyone told me limiting screens would be impossible with four kids, but seeing it actually work for someone else makes me think we can actually pull it off.

MMatteoRegular6d ago

This is such a controversial take but you're 100% right. The short term pain of them being mad is worth the long term benefit. Six months in and you're seeing the real results.

RRonRegular5d ago

One hour on weekdays is solid. That's what we do too and after the adjustment period the kids stopped complaining. They found other stuff to do. The whining at the beginning had me second guessing myself but you stuck with it.

BBrandonRegular6d ago

The payoff is real though. That first week is hell but yeah, kids find other stuff to do. We did the same limit and honestly it's been great for family time.

NNathanNew Dad4d ago

Curious how you handled the transition with multiple kids. Did they have to do it at the same time or did you stagger it by age? Trying to figure out the fairest way with mine.

SSean M.New Dad6d ago

Not unpopular at all. Six months of peace for two weeks of complaints is an easy trade. My kids actually started reading again once screens weren't the default boredom solution.

DDanielRegular5d ago

This. People think we're crazy for the one hour rule but our kids are happier, sleep better, and actually talk to us at dinner. The initial complaints are worth every second.

RRonRegular5d ago

Not unpopular with me. We did the same thing and yeah the first two weeks were brutal but now our kids actually play outside and read books again. Worth every complaint they threw at us.