How We Slowly (and Finally!) Remove Gadgets in Our Daily Routine

Aug 28, 2018 | Mom Life

Once upon a time, my kids were addicted to gadgets. It was my fault though, because I decided to give them their own phone so I could easily contact them when I’m out of the house. Plus, I need to keep them still so I could get some work and chores done. Nonetheless, we were able to manage their phone use, particularly before the school starts. 

Before that, I felt that my girls started to get addicted to gadgets. They would panic or scream when their iPad ran out of battery or if there is no Internet. The only way to keep them still when we eat out is when we give them their phone. Even at home, it’s always about watching YouTube videos. I decided to change that by slowly removing gadgets in their daily routine and introduced activities that would limit their screen time. 

Yes, we succeeded.

We couldn’t eliminate it completely since I let them use during weekends, but generally, gadget use has been manageable for us. In fact, they could survive even without making clicks on their phones. 

Waiting for Ate is always part of our everyday routine. This little girl prefers drawing instead of using her phone to watch shows on YouTube.

Here’s how we did it:

1. Impose restrictions. 

This is a must and the first thing we did to slowly remove gadget use. Now that our girls are both in big school, we imposed a “No Phone” rule on weekdays. We also stopped letting them watch on their iPad while we eat our meals. They can’t even hold any gadgets especially during exams, no matter how much they plead in the cutest way that melts my heart. It was harsh, I know, but we need to impose strict rules to bend and eventually get rid of the not-so-good habits. 

2. Always set a time limit. 

In the event that I let them use their phone, I make sure I set a time limit. I let them watch for 20 to 30 minutes and that’s it. I set the timer on and once it alarmed, they know it’s time to give back the phone. It wasn’t easy at first, but I always remind them about our rule so they have no choice but to comply.

3. Encourage activities that don’t involve watching. 

The kids love to draw and paint. To make it easier for them, I placed all their art materials in a big box, which they can easily access. Every time they say “Mom, I’m bored,” I just tell to go and paint. How to Limit Screen Time on KidsIf painting starts to bore them, I also have workbooks (I buy lots of them whenever I’m inside a bookstore) and worksheets ready to rescue. There are tons of free printables online about various topics, so I just print worksheets that are fit for their age, place it inside the clearbook (so they can re-use it), and let them answer. How to Teach Filipino to KidsIf I’m in the mood, I look for crafting activities that we can do at home to keep the girls busy. We usually do crafting activities every summer (aside from the summer activities where we enroll them) to reduce screen time. 

READ: Crafting Ideas for Kids

#TMCTip : Always bring art materials, worksheets, or workbooks wherever you go. The reason why I have a big bag is because it contains a pencil case full of crayons, sketch pad, and other art materials to keep the kids busy while we’re out. 

4. Play, play, and play. 

Aside from the carefully curated activities, I just let the kids play and do whatever they want. My kids are at this stage where pretend play is very effective. They could transform their room into a grocery store, pirate ship, or a castle. Sometimes, they play with Lego and sit for hours building houses, schools, and hospitals. If the weather is good, we go out and go biking. 

The house is a mess, but I would rather have that (as well as active, imaginative kids) than kids who are addicted to gadgets. 

5. Set a good example. 

I must admit, I can’t put my phone day. There is a constant need to check emails and social media accounts regularly to make sure I won’t miss out on anything. But at what cost? 

I remember one time when we were eating dinner. My husband picked up his phone because he got a message. My eldest said, “Dad, no phone while eating, right?” 

The point is if we want to limit our kids with gadget use, then we need to start setting a good example for them. It would be confusing for them when we impose No Gadget Day and yet, here we are, glued to our phones. If we want to eliminate, or at least reduce gadget use on our kids, then we need to show them that we can do it too. 

The bottom line – 

We still let them use from time-to-time, but I’m proud to say that our girls are no longer gadget-dependent. It was challenging to reverse the habits and routines they got used to, but eventually, we were able to do it. I’m sure, you can do it too, mommas. 

9 Comments

  1. Mariza

    You do an excellent parenting job! Creative and sustainable ideas with disciplining children that doesn’t need pleading or violent reactions with & from the kids, haha! A lot of new parents could learn from this example πŸ™‚

    Reply
  2. Renz De Jesus Alcantara

    Awesome tips! I do almost the same with my kids as well.
    Gadget dependency is a No-No.
    Well done, Mommy!

    Reply
  3. Mommy Levy

    Good job to your little one and to you too mommy for limiting the usage of gadgets.

    Reply
  4. Jaimie

    Awwwww. Salamat for this article. I really need a good read about this. Same scenario with my daughter being addicted to gadgets kaya kailangan ko na din ng ganito. Meron lang akong isang concern, yung β€œ be a good example” haha! Kailangan ko din ma-impose yan with myself. πŸ™ƒ haha!

    Reply
    • Ayi

      I have a tip: don’t show your child that you are using gadgets. Haha! Though of course, we need to be good examples din talaga so it is a challenge for all of us πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Badet Siazon

    These are great tips! We also have rules at home that my daughter can only use the tablet on Friday to Sunday. Thankfully, nasusunod naman nya πŸ™‚

    Reply
  6. Mommy Anna

    Same here I am trying to get rid of his gadgets, since he transferred at big school he got low grades. Now I am so strict when it comes to a no gadgets and long tv every weekdays. He can use his gadget Saturday only. Now ko lang talaga na realize ang effect ng gadgets sa kids

    Reply
  7. Janice

    Congratulations!!! This is something that we’re trying to do at home too. Hope we also succeed soon.

    Reply
  8. Patricia Cuyugan

    It’s not easy to get kids to quit their gadgets, so congratulations to you!! I agree, regulation and moderation is key. πŸ˜€

    Reply

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