Feeling guilty for DSS and screen time over weekends and holidays

[mnforadvice]

DSS 9 is with us 50/50 and here this weekend however we feel like he’s been on his iPad for way too long today. Weather has been awful so hasn’t been able to get in the garden like normal. He did have footy training this morning and his dad took him to the cinema this afternoon. Any Lego/colouring sort of activity lasts 5 minutes before he’s bored and gives up. And board games etc obviously need more than just him. His dad has a lot of WFH to catch up on but this should settle down after weekend so more time will be had. We have a DD 2 who obviously takes up a lot of time and another due in the next couple of weeks.

Just feeling a bit guilty the holidays have started and he’s probably a bit bored already. He is away with us for a week soon, both sets of grandparents for a week at a time, some sports camp days and play dates arranged whilst with us so it’s not like it’ll be all summer stuck on an iPad. Any suggestions of entertainment? Or other parents in the same boat?

I wouldn't worry. Football training and the cinema are decent activities - when the weather's crap I think some iPad time is fine. It's the holidays, he'll want to chill out, so I wouldn't worry too much. My 9 yo son wouldn't be interested in colouring any more either - it's hard to find non screen activities that don't need another person to be involved! Is he interested in reading??

We used to have an hour a day during the holidays of TV or gaming and then they made their own fun. Generally Lego or drawing or reading. What about cooking or baking? If they were allowed to mine would have gamed all day.

Thanks both, this has made me feel much better!

@Doublebubblegum a little bit, again he gets bored quite quickly and I’m not sure how much he’s really taking in when he's reading, seems more like he’s flicking through if you know what I mean.

@Shenmen yes that’s an option, we’re in the middle of our kitchen being done too which is taking ages due to builder delays and waiting on materials etc. so space wise is tricky and we’re having to make do with half a kitchen and not the safest with toddler trying to join in.

As a kid in the 90s/early 00s I remember being dropped at grandparents house nearly every day unless we had a family holiday booked as both my parents worked full time and was just expected to read books, colour in, play in garden with the dogs and just to make my own entertainment. Now with screens seemingly being the go-to for children it’s hard to keep them off of them!