To make my kids go screen free

[Southdownsbelle]

I have been too slack with screen time for my kids & it’s got out of hand- it’s totally my fault for not having better boundaries.
DS 11 watches a lot of footy on his phone & DD 7 is basically addicted to the Next step etc on CBBC- neither of them game but I reckon they have both been watching a couple hours some days. I really feel like it’s affected their ability to play & entertain themselves so I am going to go cold turkey for a few days & then have stricter time boundaries.

Aibu though? Is going cold turkey too extreme?! I feel so bad as it’s my fault really for using TV as a babysitter at times because I am knackered/ cooking etc

I thought you were going to say 8 hours a day or something

If you watch one football match (with 1/2 time and a bit of analysis thrown in) then that is 2 hours gone.
Same for watching a film.

I don't think two hours is really excessive.

All that said, I don't think it is a bad thing for everyone to give some thought to how much of our days we spend looking at a screen one way or another she says, typing on MN

Two hours isn't excessive, imo

Presumably you will lead by example?

I wouldn’t have an issue with a couple of hours on some days- surely that equates to a film or a football match? Going cold turkey seems excessive, just put some limits on it no?!

I wouldn't have an issue for 2 hours, but I would link that to good behaviour, relinquishing it when requested and balancing it with non screen related activities. Most children I know will see an hour or two of tv a day really and I am not as concerned as some on here. The world has changed, screens will always be a daily part of life now in some capacity so I very much fall on the side of teaching responsible use of them, which can include tech free periods if necessary.

Set lower times from the off?
DS (6) has an hour a day on school days but a couple of hours a day on the weekends.