Balancing Technology and Family Time: A Thoughtful Approach to Screen Use

Yo elijo, Golden Moments

In recent decades, our exposure to technology, especially screens, has significantly increased. This growing presence is not always beneficial for us or our environment. Therefore, in our household, we have always believed that technology should be used with restrictions at young ages. Making this decision was challenging, as no one wants to hinder their children's access to progress. However, the more we examined our surroundings, the more convinced I became that we made the right choice.

Lately, I have noticed infants in strollers with a mobile device attached to the handle. These are strollers, not even high chairs, which means the children are very small. This trend is on the rise.

Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles published an article discussing how screen exposure can affect developing brains, and the results are alarming.

Excessive screen time can lead to delays in language development and social skills. Young children learn best through direct interaction with people and unstructured play. When screens replace these essential activities, the opportunity to develop crucial communication and problem-solving skills is limited.

Of course, turning off our children's screens means turning on direct interaction with us. For tired mothers and fathers dealing with routine, stress, and worry, this can feel like adding fuel to the fire. However, through these technology-free moments, we can discover not only complaints, cries, and tantrums but also Golden Moments.

We have never been overly technological parents, but we also fell into the trap of using screens, especially television, during times that required more adult concentration, such as bath time and dinner preparation. We noticed that our children became overly stimulated, struggled to fall asleep, and their sleep quality was poor. We ourselves were often in a heightened state that took considerable time to calm down.

Three years ago, we made a decision: no more screens after mid-afternoon, allowing some flexibility during more leisurely periods like vacations. With the motto “No TV if there’s school tomorrow,” we limited our children's screen access. It wasn't easy; there were many protests, demonstrations, cries, attempts at manipulation, negotiations, and anger. However, we realized that this decision has helped prevent an excessive interest in tablets and, even more so, mobile phones.

Together, we began to find those moments when the entire family connects, looks at one another, listens, and feels. Moments where we share how our day went, recount fantasies that crossed our minds, create stories, sing, or simply enjoy the silence as the sun sets. Ultimately, these are golden moments for connected families.

Oscar Salamanca