Sarah's break from the Ipad

Digital deteox
Photo credit to bigcommunications.co.uk

Recently, we confiscated the Ipad from Sarah.

We were having trouble getting her to eat during meal times and do other stuff.  When we tell her times up, she resists in giving back the device.  There's a lot of negotiating, whining and the eventual full blown tantrum as soon as we take it away from her.  During one dinner when she wanted to 'eat and play', I've had enough.  I took the device away and scolded her. Punishment was no Ipad for a week. 

I anticipated that she'll plead for the device on the first few days but surprisingly I didn't hear anything from her.  She just went back to playing her Lego sets and Jenga bricks,  doing puzzles and drawing and coloring.  We read more books than usual; she practiced writing more frequently.  She started riding her bike and scooter again.  It was a much better use of a child's time. 

On the fifth and sixth day, she started asking (very nicely if I may add) when she can use the Ipad again.  We told not yet, until the full 7 days was over.  When we finally handed her back the device, we gave strict instructions to limit her usage otherwise we will take it away again.  This time, there's a two hour limit, spread out in a day.  It's been two weeks now and things are much better.  Every time we tell her it's time to hand it back, she does so, albeit begrudgingly.  

It's necessary for kids, and adults as well, to have regular digital detox.  It would mean more time to play outside, be creative with arts and crafts, exercise, sleep, spend more time together and experience life.   We must always strive to find that tricky balance and disconnect to reconnect.