Screen Time Dilemma

Our kids are born Gen Z with Gen X parents. They are born in the smart phone era. They are conditioned to multitask & expect instant gratification.

When I was born, the only screen we had was the TV. Apple II computer came into picture when I was in pri school. There was no mobile phone to deal with. We can only watch TV when adults switch it on for us.

iPhone is both a friend & an enemy bringing up kids. It has many useful apps which the child can learn languages, maths & songs. There are even flashcard apps for babies. I must admit iPhone is one of most effective distractor to a whiny child. But I try not to use it too often as a babysitter. Most of the apps I downloaded are educational apps anyway. Starfall is one of their favorite apps.

With iPhone, they can search for songs & videos on the move. Mei learned many Disney songs on YouTube before we bought the CD which she listens in the car everyday. She can watch her favorite princess MTVs remixed with songs like Celine Dion's Because you love me. She can sing & dance to the tune like a pro.

I always feel that I should reduce their screen time and replace with more engaging activities. But the reality is, as a FTWM, I have little time to "prepare" materials. The alternative is stacks of paper and writing materials for them to write and draw. In fact, my 7yo has been asking for his own facebook account so that he can play games. I told him he has to lie about his age to register an account, which is of course not recommended. I "issue" them the iPhone with a "curfew" which they willingly promise and return at the designated time.

Now when they say "mummy, can I draw something?" I need to clarify if they meant the iPhone game or drawing on paper. Meanwhile, I will continue to monitor their screen time to ensure it doesn't affect their social skills in the days to come.