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Post by Mama Wozzy on Feb 18, 2018 18:50:14 GMT
Hi! I'm a mom of 5 awesome kids and wife to 1 hard working husband. I find it hard to keep up with all the demands of mom life without using some form of digital media to keep my kids busy while I get things done. I have 4 year old special needs twins who just want me to hold them while I'm cooking dinner or helping my older kids with homework. The evenings are the hardest time for me and I'm guilty of using screen time as a babysitter for them. I know I need to create more limitations on electronics for all my children on their usage to protect them. But I need the limitations to not add to my already full plate. I'd love advice or resources on how to limit my children on their screen time in a way that does not require a lot of monitoring or reminding them on my part. Looking forward to being part of this community!
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Post by MamaCrossroads on Feb 20, 2018 3:20:12 GMT
Welcome, Mama Wozzy! We're so excited to have you here with us. Wow! 5 kids and special needs 4-year-old twins = a tall order. You rock. I am excited to help you find resources and get some conversations started that will be helpful along the lines you are talking about. I hope it's ok with you ... I quoted you and started a thread about limiting screen time with this question: mediasavvymamas.proboards.com/thread/86/setting-screen-time-limits-senseYou can also check out the MSM Board on Screen Time for ideas ... We're always adding to our boards. And ... Don't be so hard on yourself. We live in a digital age. Screens are part of the package, and as moms we have to move past feeling guilty about that and get to a place where we focus instead on HOW and WHEN we use those screens. As long as we are purposeful, our kids will turn out ok. I promise! Don't worry so much! You are doing great!
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angel
New Member
Rockin' the parenthood scene--or trying my best!
Posts: 17
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Post by angel on Mar 7, 2018 3:07:37 GMT
Hi, nice to meet you Elisbeth. Wow! You are a brave mama and it sounds like you are really doing your best. I agree. Dont be so hard on yourself. You are amazing! Keep up the good work with those sweet kiddos. We are all cheering you on.
Great Pinterest boards, MamaC! Thanks for sharing.
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Post by A Fellow Mom on Mar 7, 2018 3:42:13 GMT
Hi, Elisbeth. I just wanted to thank you for your candid comments. First of all, I agree with the others that you are doing amazing things, and you have an especially full plate. So be patient with yourself. Second, I think a lot of us are like you--we feel overwhelmed, especially when the evening rolls around and we've been "at it" all day. Then we feel guilty when we use a screen to entertain our kids to take some of the pressure off. But I think it's okay to take a break sometimes. Not all the time, of course. But it's okay to be human and step back for a moment. Sometimes I feel like when my nerves are shot and I'm sleep-deprived because I've been up all night with a newborn, it's ok to put in a Disney movie for my 2-year-old--rather than resorting to yelling, crying my eyes out, or possibly hurting someone! Right? We're all just human, and we're doing our best. And there are times when it is ok to give ourselves permission to let go of the guilt of being 100% hands-on Mommy. It's all about balance! That's just my two cents!
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Post by Hannah on Mar 7, 2018 4:51:21 GMT
Saw this article today from Common Sense Media and thought of you, Elisbeth! 10 Terrific Toddler Shows and Tips for Introducing Them Mindfully Brief episodes, gentle lessons, and lots of music make these programs perfect for introducing kids to TV. By Angela Zimmerman www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/10-terrific-toddler-shows-and-tips-for-introducing-them-mindfully#I love this quote: "Yes, TV feels like a slippery slope. But if you're thoughtful about your choices and balance TV time with other activities, there's no reason not to allow your toddler to enjoy some quality entertainment." See? Even Common Sense Media says there is a time and a place for screens ... and we can use them wisely.
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