[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u201cAre we there yet??!!\u201d <\/span>Car rides, especially long ones, can be tricky for parents and kids to navigate without everyone losing their sanity.<\/b> Screen time is one way kids can stay occupied, but there are concerns about the overall amount of use for most children, and time in the car can be a major contributor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Technology is so thoroughly integrated into our lives that it may seem impossible to prevent our kids from spending so much time on their devices, but there is hope! If you\u2019re wondering whether to allow screen time in the car, these five tips will help you and your kids <\/span>strike a productive and healthy screen balance<\/b> during road trips <\/b>and daily commutes.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret that our kids are exposed to screens almost constantly. Many kids spend an excessive amount of time on devices throughout the day, whether they are watching TV, playing games, completing online schoolwork, or using social media. The <\/span>negative effects<\/span><\/a> of electronics overuse on the developing brains of our children are <\/span>well-documented<\/span><\/a>, which leaves many parents searching for ways to minimize their kids\u2019 screen time whenever possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the most common places where we can easily reduce our kids\u2019 electronics use is in the car.<\/b> Most children and teens quickly turn to their devices when their activities are limited, including during car rides or while using other forms of transportation. However, as parents this gives us a great opportunity to reduce our kids\u2019 electronics use and teach them resilience when faced with \u201cboring\u201d situations. Using devices in the car prevents them from connecting with the rest of the family and observing the world around them as they travel, while contributing to the negative effects of electronics overuse. As parents, we can help our kids learn the importance of managing their electronics use in the car with a variety of ideas:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Realistically, there are many situations where it can be a good idea for your kids to use their electronics while traveling. For example, on long road trips it can be fun to watch a movie or play games for a while to pass the time. Especially for younger kids, these types of activities can help them avoid getting antsy when they have to spend multiple hours in the car. However, <\/span>it\u2019s still important to think about how we can provide our kids with a balance of activities<\/b> so that they don\u2019t wind up watching movies for an entire 12-hour car ride!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are many ways to do this, and here are a few alternative activities that you can suggest for your kids next time you have a longer trip:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/03\/28102416\/Blog_ShouldYouAllowScreenTimeinthecar_InsideImage.png” alt=”Is screen time in the car a good idea” title_text=”Blog_ShouldYouAllowScreenTimeinthecar_InsideImage” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n 1. Be aware<\/strong><\/p>\n The most important thing you can do as a parent is to <\/span>be aware of your kids\u2019 habits when it comes to electronics use so that you can take appropriate action if needed<\/b>. Keep an eye on your kids when you travel to make sure they aren\u2019t overusing their devices. This way, you can implement changes on the fly to help them manage their time in a healthier way!<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Talk with your kids<\/strong><\/p>\n The first step in helping your kids manage their screen time is teaching them about the importance of balance. Using the ideas mentioned above is a great way to help them understand why it\u2019s so crucial to take a break from electronics whenever we can.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Provide alternative activities<\/strong><\/p>\n If your kids are struggling to find other things to do, especially on longer trips, try putting together <\/span>a list of options for them to choose from when it\u2019s time to put devices away<\/b>. You can pick from the choices I listed above, or work with your kids to create your own list of road trip activities!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Use parental control tools<\/strong><\/p>\n If electronics use continues to be a problem, parental control apps can be a great solution. I use the <\/span>Qustodio app<\/span><\/a> with my kids, which makes it super easy to set time limits, content filters, and more to <\/span>help my kids stay on track throughout the day and achieve balance between their devices and other activities.<\/b> These apps can be extremely helpful both as a tool for you to monitor your kids\u2019 electronics use as well as a way for you to help them learn how to manage their time more effectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Be a role model<\/strong><\/p>\n Of course, none of these tips will go very far if you frequently use your phone in the car yourself! One of the most important parts of our job as parents is to <\/span>model appropriate behavior<\/span><\/a> for our kids, and this is no exception. <\/span>Participate in road trip activities with your kids, or spark a conversation on the way home from school<\/b> – it will show your kids how they can turn a \u201cboring\u201d situation into a fun and engaging one. You can read a lot more about this topic <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cAre we there yet??!!\u201d Car rides, especially long ones, can be tricky for parents and kids to navigate without everyone losing their sanity. Screen time is one way kids can stay occupied, but there are concerns about the overall amount of use for most children, and time in the car can be a major contributor.\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":26340,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[302,300,521],"class_list":["post-26280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-parenting-tips","tag-device-help","tag-screen-time","tag-under-8s"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nScreen time in the car<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Are there benefits of screen time in the car?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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5 tips to help your kids strike a healthy screen time balance in the car<\/b><\/h2>\n