After school schedule - too much screens

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Forum -> Parenting our children

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amother

Today at 7:01 pm

In a perfect world I'd like my kids to watch minimal videos on a regular basis. Unfortunately with a only toddler and baby there's a lot more screen time then I'd like especially compared to other friends who limit to just weekends.
My toddler is not really at an age to play on his own and because I'm working all day until they get home from playgroup I'm burnt out and need a break too. I have little patience for playing with my toddlers toys.

What do you do with your kids all afternoon?

amother

Orange

Today at 7:14 pm

When I had 2 that age we got home at 3. Played outside/went to the park til at least 4. Came home and played inside while I make dinner. Toddlers can definitely play by themselves if you put toys down near you. I also like to play music while I cook. Dinner at 5:30, baths by 6:15, and bedtime routine in bed by 7.
We do our best to limit screens to rare occasions.

amother

Rose

Today at 7:16 pm

I used to set up things, like take duplo and build partially so they continue it, set up all the animals doing something, make a long line of cars, make busy bins etc.. I would prep the night before and pull it out when I needed it. You can also give them an hour bath with lots of toys to kill time. You can sit next to them and just let them play. Sometimes I would go to a small room that was baby proof, take some snacks, drinks, and toys put them on the floor and just chill on the bed or chair.

amother

Powderblue

Today at 7:17 pm

We stopped doing screen time about 6 months ago (kids ages 2 and 3).

It’s hard to entertain them but I try to have some sort of schedule; either a specific set of toys for them or park or visit a friend with kids or play date at my home… or they help me make dinner.

Again, it’s hard. But I try really hard to do whatever I can to avoid feeling the need for the screen to be their babysitter.

amother

Yarrow

Today at 7:49 pm

I'm in your boat. I try really hard to limit screen time. But my toddler came home exhausted today and was doing all he can to hurt my baby. Screen time is a life saver.....

amother

Brown

Today at 8:21 pm

Actually my thoughts this afternoon were that I have absolutely no judgement for families who do screen time... it's was just a never ending day. And my kids are in bed for over an hour and still not sleeping

I have 3 kids ages 3 and under B"H. We definitely make use of the park on days that it is nice. (Although it's not a break for me. They need to be watched every second. Still, fresh air is amazing).

I make simple suppers. Today was rice, fishsticks, and broccoli. 15 minutes top preparation time. I try to focus on just sitting with them as they play instead of trying to get housework done (this is a struggle for me. Im always trying to do everything at once). Protecting the baby is priority.

We have a little table where they can do playdoh or coloring or kinetic sand. Do a little bit of that and then building toys on the floor, or playing with dolls/strollers.

Supper at 5:15
Bath at around 6.
Book/ א-ב
In bed by 7.

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