COVID-19 has presented so many different challenges to adults and children. Our normal routines have been taken away and we are forced to stay within the confining walls of our home. The consistency of rain has certainly contributed to greater feelings of being closed in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although we are thankful for technology as it has allowed many of us to continue running our businesses, remain employed and for our children to continue learning, it has also created a bit of an over-dose usage of our computers, phones, IPads and tablets.\u00a0 Our children are using their screens to complete their school work, communicate with their teachers, and\u00a0 to stay connected with family members and friends. Teens and young adults are passing time by binge watching shows, series and movies in place of extracurricular activities and socializing.<\/span><\/p>\n Set a Limit\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Even though we are isolated from our friends and family, it is important to continue to maintain a limit on screen time for the times when we don\u2019t need them for work or social contact.<\/span><\/p>\n Set a time limit on the number of hours of screen time for leisure use and monitor your child\u2019s use. Set a timer or set a timer on the device to shut it off when that time is up.\u00a0 Make sure to especially turn the screen off as it gets closer to bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\n Play<\/b><\/p>\n With fewer places to go and things to do, we all need to get outside, even on rainy days. Take a walk, a bike ride or a scooter ride. Getting outside and changing our scenery is also important for our overall well being.<\/span><\/p>\n Work on a Project<\/b><\/p>\n With your child, work on a project or craft together. Not only may your child learn a new skill, but you are also connecting during a time when we feel quite disconnected. Play a game, learn a new game, or create a new game together.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Although this is an extremely difficult time,\u00a0 it is also unique in the opportunity it affords our families for spending quality time. Get creative in the ways you engage with your family. Connectedness builds our resilience and the ability to navigate these trying times. Some of these positive habits may even carry over after this time has passed. Good luck and stay well!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Image by Pexels<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Avoiding the Screen Time Over Dose During COVID-19 Written by Daniel Cherry, MA COVID-19 has presented so many different challenges to adults and children. Our normal routines have been taken away and we are forced to stay within the confining walls of our home. The consistency of rain has certainly contributed to greater feelings of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4404,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n