A couple of years ago the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed new recommendations about children and screen time.  The new guidelines recognize that screens are almost everywhere:  schools, restaurants, stores, even the gas pump at Kwik Trip.  Avoiding screens altogether is almost impossible even for fairly young children, and older kids can use up their allocated 2 hours before lunch .  The newer guidelines recognize that screens are part of our everyday landscape and that parents need to consider all of the ways their children use their time each day.  Here are some ideas to help you find the best balance of time  use for you and your children:

Remember that screens are just one more environment where kids do what they have always done:  read, study, play games, imagine and, when they can, waste time.  Most studies show that content rather than method of delivery is what parents should monitor.

Parent involvement is still important.  Having conversations, setting limits and expectations, showing love, teaching kindness and modeling appropriate behaviors are still important parts of parenting.

Content matters.  What your child spends time doing is far more important than setting a timer.

Unstructured play is important.  Kids of all ages (and adults!) benefit from unplugged time daily.  Unstructured time stimulates creativity and may help reduce anxiety.

Preserve family meal time.  Make the dinner table a tech-free zone (and try having a tech-free time in the car, too).  Studies show your kids will have healthier eating habits, will sleep better and your family will benefit from spending family time together. 

Create a Family Media Plan!  By creating a plan of your own you can incorporate your family values, parenting style and lifestyle.  

Do you have a teen who's looking at college in the fall (or in a year or two)? Or a teen who has a school-to-work plan in mind that will include moving out of the house?  Even if your children are a few years away from independence, learning how to cook some simple dishes and meals is an important life skill!  You might even get out of cooking dinner a few times a month!

The Super Healthy Kids website suggests 10 essential dishes that kids should be able to prepare by themselves including

Simple Casseroles.  Knowing the right proportions to include opens endless possibilities:  2 cups cooked grains, 2 cups protein, 2 cups veggies, 1.5 cups creamy sauce.

Oatmeal. A healthy way to start the day!  Add favorite mix ins like nuts, berries or other fruit or even a tablespoon of dark chocolate chips.

Smoothies.  Even pretty young kids can learn to make delicious, healthy smoothies.  Fruits, veggies and a little liquid (milk, juice, or milk substitute) combine to make breakfast, lunch or a snack.

Don't forget sandwiches!  The first think most kids learn to prepare is a sandwich.  Making their own sandwich for lunch (or breakfast!) helps foster independence and confidence and reminds kids that not all food comes from a box.  Help your children learn the 4 basic steps to sandwich making:

Choose a grain- bread, pitas, bagels, naan- whatever's handy and appealing.

Choose a spread-  a nut (or nut-free) butter, hummus, or soft cheese are all good choices.

Choose a fruit or veggie- jam, lettuce, tomatoes or sprouts are traditional, but how about whole blueberries on peanut butter? 

Choose a protein- eggs, meat, cheese or tuna are all popular choices. 

 Print this "My Own Sandwich" Chart and hang it on your refrigerator!

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm

June 13 Line Dancing at Waterman Triangle Park
June 27 Scavenger Hunt at Lerner Park
July 11 Yoga Storyteller at Waterman Triangle Park
July 25 Zumba at Waterman Triangle Park
August 8 Mindful Yoga at Waterman Triangle Park

Watch for more fun events in August!