[4-7] The Secret to Building Safer Screen Habits With Little Ones

Ever tried to distract a restless child in a grocery store, doctors’ office, or while traveling? Portable screens can feel like a magical pacifying gift, right? But what if they become the norm? Are there long-term implications? Does excessive screen time affect child development? Or are we just letting the guilt and fear get the better of us? It seems that tech is here to stay. So let’s discuss a savvy way to build safer screen habits with our little ones. 

In this episode, I speak with Penny Marenge, the creator of Screens n Kids, an online platform with a mission to preserve the Early Years. Penny comes to the conversation with a wealth of knowledge she’s gathered as a mental health nurse practitioner and mother of two pre-school-age children. 

Screen habits for little ones

Penny is here to help us find that digital sweet spot where our kids can grow up with technology without being consumed by it. Her approach is fun, inspiring, and has very little to do with charts and screen limits. However, you may want to grab some sunscreen or an extra layer…cause we’re headed into some outdoor therapy! 

In this episode:

• Mental Health. How do the early years inform the adult years. 
• Finding balance. Why non-screen play is essential to childhood development.  
• Getting outdoors. A strategy for success…no matter the weather! 
• Screen play. Deciding when and how to introduce screens for little ones. 

Compass challenge

Our challenge this week comes in two parts. First, be kind to yourself (this is a parenting journey!). Second, register for Screen-Free Week (May 2 – 8, 2022), sign the pledge then check out all the fantastic screen-free activities for young children at screenfree.org. Think of this week as a quiet rebellion against Big Tech! Plus, a wonderful way to reconnect as a family through creative, organic play. 

Download our FREE guide

Want help creating healthy boundaries around screen time and devices in your home? Download your FREE Quick Guide to Safer Screen Habits here. https://bit.ly/Quick-Guide-to-Safer-Screen-Habits

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, please leave a positive review or tell a friend!

More about today’s guest

Penny Marenge is the creator behind the online platform Screens n Kids, whose mission is to preserve the Early Years. I work as a mental health nurse practitioner serving adults living with various mental illnesses in navigating their wellness journey – work I truly enjoy. I volunteer with various organizations both globally and locally that promote mental health access to those who would otherwise not afford. I am a hopeless optimist and truly believe that all humans are made good. Originally from Kenya, I currently call Canada home with my loving husband and two preschoolers, aged 5 and 3.

Links/Resources

Screens n Kids – ​​www.screensnkids.com preserve the early years. 

SCREEN-FREE WEEK – screenfree.org play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond ad-supported screens.

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, Parents Aware/Media Savvy Moms receives a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for helping to support us in our mission to protect families from the harms of pornography.

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Media Savvy Moms Podcast

Who knew honest conversations about parenting and pornography could be so approachable? Join Marilyn for a series of contemplations, chats, and interviews as she helps fellow parents tackle this challenging topic with their kids.

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