YouTube is out of control in our house | DadHQ

YouTube is out of control in our house

Aug 71 min read

Just realized my 6 and 8 year old have spent the last two weeks watching random YouTube videos for like two hours a day while I was dealing with work stuff. Some of it is fine educational content but some of it is weird and not appropriate. I feel like a bad parent. Started using parental controls today and set up YouTube Kids but I'm realizing I need to be way more intentional about this. Anyone have recommendations for what's actually safe for younger kids? Or am I overthinking it?

7 comments198 views

Comments(7)

TToddRegularAug 8

Two weeks of endless YouTube is wild. That's on us as parents to catch though, which I know sounds harsh but we're the ones who have to set the limits. Maybe specific YouTube time windows with a timer?

BBrandonRegularAug 8

That's a tough habit to break once they get started. My advice is don't take it away cold turkey, just gradually shorten the window. Make it less about punishment and more about balance.

MMatt J.RegularAug 7

Two hours a day for two weeks adds up fast, man. I've been there when work gets crazy. Maybe set some specific times they can watch and find some other activities to rotate in? Makes a big difference.

DDale A.RegularAug 7

This is exactly the kind of thing I struggle with too. The guilt is real when screen time gets out of hand, but now's a good time to reset expectations with them about what a normal day looks like. You've got this.

FFrank K.RegularAug 7

Work gets intense and sometimes screens are the babysitter we need in the moment. Don't beat yourself up too much, just maybe get them outside or doing something active this week to balance it out.

JJake M.RegularAug 7

This happened to us too with the 8 year old. Now we keep YouTube off limits on weekdays and only allow it on Saturday mornings for an hour. Game changer for our family.

DDanielExperiencedAug 8

Yeah YouTube's algorithm is designed to keep kids watching forever. We put a hard limit of 30 minutes a day on our kids now and honestly life is better for everyone.