This screen time checklist is the perfect tool to help you set healthy and responsible boundaries with your kids.
The editable and printable chart will help you squash any arguments and establish structure around screens, whether that be a tablet, the TV, or a phone.
Personalize the checklist to cater to each of your unique children and ensure they get the perfect balance of non-screentime fun, chores, and other activities.
Soon, your little ones will know exactly what to expect and there won’t be any tears or negative feedback! At least that’s the idea. Be consistent, stay strong and your kids will get used to the new expectations.
The Best Screen Time Checklist
Here’s an example of how you would fill out the checklist for your kids:
And here’s the printable PDF file. Just click here or on the image below to go straight to the printable screen time checklist.
And if you want to edit the checklist in Canva for free, here is the link to the template to the editable screentime checklist.
Reasons to Set Screen Time Limits
Screens are virtually inescapable in today’s world, but the right balance is important.
From physical health and sleep quality to social skills and academic performance, screen time can have a huge impact on your child for better or for worse.
A screen time checklist and smart digital ground rules will set your child up for success and improve their overall well-being and development.
Physical Health
Rather than settling into a sedentary lifestyle, limiting screen time encourages kids to engage in physical activities and sports, promoting better overall health along with gross motor skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and more.
If you want more information this post on the importance of play in child development dives into the specifics and includes fun activities to try at the playground.
Sleep Quality
Screen time, especially before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns. Screens emit a blue light that disrupts the production of melatonin (the sleep regulator hormone).
Setting limits helps ensure kids get adequate and restful sleep.
Social Skills
Too much time on screens may reduce face-to-face social interactions which can lead to a lack of social skills like communication, empathy, and cooperation.
Setting screen time boundaries can encourage more real-world social activities, fostering proper social development.
Academic Performance
Excessive screen time may interfere with homework completion and overall academic performance.
By setting limits, parents can create a balanced environment that prioritizes academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
Mental Health
When children spend too much time on screens, particularly on social media, they are more likely to develop mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem.
Limiting screen time allows kids to engage in a variety of activities that better support their mental and emotional well-being.
Cutting back on screens can also help with:
- Time management
- Preventing addiction
- Increased family time
Positive Screen Time Options for Kids
When your kids are on their screens, opt for positive screen time options that promote positive growth and learning.
Once their screen time checklist is complete, here are some fun and educational activities that are mom-approved:
- The best educational shows for toddlers
- Free Kindle Fire educational apps for kids
- The Noggin App
Non-Screen Kid’s Activities
Here are some simple and fun ideas to keep your kiddos entertained when they’re not on their screens. Find free printables, sensory play ideas, and more!
You can add some of these items to their screen time checklist to ensure a healthy balance of play.
Printables
- Summer Camp at Home Activities & Themes
- Neighborhood Bear Hunt
- Free I Spy Printable
- Mommy and Me Printable Coloring Pages
- Sequencing Puzzle Printable for Toddlers
Sensory
- Jello Sensory Play for Babies + Toddlers
- Celery Stamping Sensory Activity
- 11 Summer Sensory Activities for Toddlers
- Water Play Ideas for Toddlers
- 30+ Mud Kitchen Play Ideas and Accessories
- 20 Rainbow Activities for Preschoolers
Montessori
Other
- Kids Cooking Subscription Box
- Ice Cream Activity for Toddlers
- Open Ended Toys for Toddlers
- 11 Easy Toddler Activities to Tire Them Out
- 5 Fun Bilingual Spanish Activities for Preschoolers
- Board Games for Preschoolers
- 12 Easy Indoor Activities for Energetic Toddlers
- 20+ Daddy Daughter Date Ideas
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If you liked these screen time rules and our free screen time chart, you’ll love these other smart parenting ideas and tips!