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5 Surefire Ways to Limit All Kids’ Screen Time This Summer

Filed Under: BLOG, Life in General, parenting, Smartphones, Sponsored Posts, Summertime Tagged With: , , , ,

*This is a sponsored post from OurPact to review their app, but all opinions are my own.

It was over a year ago, when I first introduced Confessions’ readers to OurPact, my kids’ iPad addiction and our Frozen Fever, too.

iPad Addiction Meme

Clearly, my kids might just slighly be addicted to the iPad…

Well, I’d like to say that Frozen Fever has lessened, but my girls are still very much fans of Elsa, Anna, Olaf and all of Arendale, so much so that I had to FastPass the new Disney World ride that opens on the first day of summer in Epcot for our upcoming summer Disney World vacation in a few short weeks.

But something that has indeed gotten a bit better and more manageable is their iPad and screen time for us, thanks in part to OurPact, which I will talk more about in a bit.

OurPact Logo

However, let’s face it in this day and age there really isn’t any way around our kids using this type of technology, but if, as parents, we can at least have some sort of control over the amount of time spent on mobile devices for our kids to curb the potential risks of mobile phone.

With summer and warmer weather upon us, I couldn’t be happier to re-share more about OurPact here for those who may have missed my previous article on this or those who may have just forgotten, plus some sure-fire tips to help limit screen time for all families to enable making more family memories together minus the screens.

5 SureFire ways to limit all kids screen time this summer

5 Surefire Ways to Limit All Kids’ Screen Time This Summer

1. Set the example and be the parent.

This might the hardest one on the list, especially for someone like myself that works from home and relies on my laptop and iPhone to get so much of my work done daily. But in order to encourage kids to want to focus more on their screen devices, as a parent this starts with us. So, for me, I have vowed for this summer as I did also in the past summers to cut back my own screen time and make sure to schedule time daily during the week to get out and have fun with my kids for the summer only lasts so long and want to make it the best that it can be for us with as many memories to treasure for months and years after, as well.

2. Encourage other activities.

This one is also pretty straight forward and clear-cut. The weather is gorgeous this time of the year to be able to spend a great deal of it outdoors swimming, at the beach, playground playing and so much more. That I want to make sure that my kids have other alternatives to spending all day in doors on their mobile devices. Even on the occasional rainy summer day, I try my best to make sure to have other activities scheduled at home, such as games, reading or even indoor activities, such as signing up for free bowling coupons or even library trips.

3. Be actively involved and listen to your kids.

This goes on with setting the example and encouraging other activities to also be present while the kids are engaging in these so-called activities by putting away your smartphone, tablet or more to be not just physically present, but also mentally present by engaging in the activities at hand with your kids when appropriate, as well as listening to their needs and wants, too.

4. Set clear cut usage time for mobile devices.

Again, you might not be able to cut the mobile devices out completely from their lives, as well as your own. But this is where you have to set clear cut times of the day, as well as amounts spent on these types of devices, because it is truly worth it to make this is a priority for not just kids, but yourself, too.

5. Use OurPact.

In setting limits, that is where OurPact comes into play, as this is a parental control application that gives parents the ability to block Internet and Apps at-a-touch or through daily time schedules.

Whereas, in the past, OurPact was just for iOS devices, such as iPhones or iPads, now it is available on any device either iOS of Android based.

Plus, this new and updated version includes a redesign of their iOS Parent Application as well as the release of our Web App which can be accessed via OurPact.com. However for Android parents, they need to log in via their Android Browser to the Web App for full mobile control, because there is still not technically an OurPact app in the Play Store.

Once again, parents either download their iOS App from the App Store or sign up at OurPact.com, where you can set up a parental account, as well. From there a parent will need to pair their child’s device to their OurPact family Dashboard. Pairing takes about 1 minute. After paired, you will see your child in your dashboard and can either set a block or create a schedule.

It is really that simple and effective with OurPact being the only parental control solution of its kind, plus it is FREE!

Make memories this #summer by limiting screen time with @OurPactApp #ad

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So what are you waiting for? Go try OurPact, if you haven’t already and start making some awesome summer memories with your family now!

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    These are great suggestions. As the program director for our after school, we banned “recreational use” of iPads. Kids can use them for homework, but not for anything else, now.
    And, well, I am aware of my own screen time. Too much. I am looking at them too much. And I’m slightly addicted. Hehe.
    I hope you have a wonderful Monday! xox

    • Janine says

      Aw, I know and sadly have had my moments here myself, but still try to limit myself in the evenings and weekends, too now at the very least. Hugs again and have a wonderful week now, too!! xoxo

  2. Nellie says

    Love these tips as you know how strongly I feel about screen time!! We don’t allow tablet use in the house only when we are traveling. We have a big bucket of toys and they use those for entertainment!

    • Janine says

      I do know, Nellie and we have quite a few toys here, too. So, most definitely try our best to keep to those when possible, too!!

  3. Seana Turner says

    I don’t envy parents today. The screens are so appealing, and I know many children pester parents for more time. A product like this is a great idea… using technology to manage technology! Clear-cut rules (e.g. no iPad on weekdays) work well with children… perhaps difficult to implement in the beginning, but so worthwhile in the long run!

    • Janine says

      I know parenting today adds a whole new layer with the demand for technology use, but am with you completely on the clear-cut rules and try my best with my kids with this daily.

  5. William Holland says

    Good for you, Janine. My God I wish more parents did this….have you seen the obesity in kids???? It drives me crazy….I saw a kid the other day laying under a willow tree tapping on his iphone…..is that exercise?????

    Happy Monday my friend!

    • Janine says

      Definitely not exercise and as a kid myself, I spent as many days outdoors bike riding, roller skating and more. So I am with you on this and thank you always, Bill for weighing in. Happy Monday to you, too once again!! 🙂

  7. Emily says

    I’m definitely going to check out “our pact” for my 12-year-old, who has some screen time “issues.” Good to know about this!!

  8. Amanda || Growing Up Madison says

    Those are really all great tips and I’ve never heard of Our Pact but this is something that I actually need. Madison is addicted to her iPad so anything that can help me limit screen time, I’m all for. Will be checking this out in the app store.

    • Janine says

      I know my girls are quite addicted as I have shared before here. So, anything that can help I am all for, too!! 🙂

  9. Jen says

    We are on week three of summer vacation and we have already faced this battle, multiple times. They just want to be veggie heads and that does not sit well with me. Rather than hiding their devices like I did last week, it might be time for Our Pact. Thanks for sharing your ideas and information! I needed it 🙂

    • Janine says

      Glad you can use this and we have the end of this week and one more week next week before summer vacation is upon us here in NY and am happy to be prepared for this now to be honest, too.

  10. Diane Roark says

    Janine,

    Spending to much time on IPads, IPhones and computers is a huge problem in this generation. I truly believe that anything we can do to help children learn to set limits on how much they are on their devices is a great thing. Once they get to be older kids and teens it is nearly impossible to set limits for them. I totally agree with you about setting a good example for our kids. Even though I have teens and young adults I will not allow them to have any phones, ect. while at dinner at home or eating out. This includes any family time activity.

    I checked out OurPact. It seems like a great tool for parents.

    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Diane

  11. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    We had a talk at breakfast this morning about screen time. No one cried at all when I set some restrictions. Now we’ll wait and see what happens when I enforce them! And I really need to be better about my own use in front of them. Ken and I discussed that last night.

    • Janine says

      Rabia, I know I need to be better too and have been trying in more recent times to indeed set that example. I got my fingers crossed for you all though, too!!

  12. Tamara says

    I use OurPact – it’s awesome. Last summer I didn’t think we needed it. This summer? Yes. Those savvy first graders learn a lot!

  13. Chris Carter says

    Well isn’t that just PERFECT for every parent to use with their kids! I love your suggestions on limiting screen time and this app sounds AWESOME.

  14. Allie says

    I keep saying I’m going to use something like iOact, and then I don’t. Is it hard to learn? It’s been hard to limit screen time on the road trip this summer!

  15. Dana says

    What a great idea! I have to watch my kids carefully over the summer – get outside and get active! They could waste a whole day lounging on the couch and being on multiple electronic devices.

    • Janine says

      Dana, sounds a lot like my kids, too if I let them. I guess no matter what age still the electronic devices seem to hold some power over them!

  16. Bev says

    Great tips! Whenever Eve sees us on our phones she now demands to look at photos, and she often wants to watch Daniel Tiger on our smartphones. I know I need to do a better job being off my phone when we’re out and about, but I plan on scaling back on my work this summer which should help. I want to umplug and really be present with Eve (and my family) this summer. I think the beach will be more enticing to her than my phone as well 😉

  17. Leslie says

    It’s shameful how much time I spend on my devices in front of my kids. I do try to tell them that I’m working, but they’re really too young to understand just yet. That’s why I have dedicated ‘no screen’ times (like dinner time). But there’s always more that can be done. Thanks for the reminder to shut off the devices and make memories together!

  19. Aunt Gloria says

    Glad to see parents are aware of the importance of keeping kids active. Screen time can be an extra bonus on a rainy day when the kids are indoors….like a special treat for that day. But on a good day, best to plan some outdoor activities and outings. I do remember playing outside all day as a kid….but of course it was a different time. I know you will keep the girls busy with a variety of things to do. The trip to Disney will be a highlight! Happy trails……xxoo

      • Aunt Gloria says

        Summer has arrived at last! I know you are as happy as I am for the warm weather and longer days with daylight! In the good old summertime…..enjoy!

  20. Carrie Groneman says

    Janine I LOVE this post and the ideas here. This product looks amazing and I’m so excited to share it too!. Thank you for telling us about it and as a grandparent, I’m thrilled to know about these ideas and tips you have also.

  21. Debbie says

    Hi Janine, our pact sounds like the perfect app for parents worried about youngsters over doing it on their devices. Summer is for getting out and about and for making memories, not for fighting over too much screen time.

    xx

  22. Rea says

    All great tips! I can truly relate as I now work from home and most of my time is really spent in front of the computer. I think setting a time frame is really nice and also being involved in other activities with the kids. My son doesn’t have a mobile phone (not planning to get one for him until he’s old enough I guess), but he frequently plays with my phone and his father’s.

    • Janine says

      I know working from home has really contributed to my added screen time, but continually working on that here, as well.

  23. Leah Davidson says

    This is great! Although my kids are older, I still need to help them develop some boundaries about screen time – and it has to start with me!!

  24. catherine gacad says

    i try to get a good example and do not use any device when i’m with my son. however, he whines about watching thomas the train. he wakes up and asks, “thomas? thomas the train?” so painful because i really don’t want him to be staring at cartoons even if it’s only for a few minutes a day.

  25. Tiffany says

    Ugh, my husband is in real estate so cooking dinner is often solo mommy. I try my hardest to keep things around that entertain him but sometimes those little fingers get so close to the frying pan and Mickey Mouse is the only thing that keeps him preoccupied!
    Great tips, going to keep trying!!! Usually cooking time is at least the only time…
    Love your blog!

    • Janine says

      Aw, thanks Tiffany for your kind words about my blog and happy to share some tips of what has helped here with screen time issues with you, too!! 🙂

  26. Jessica says

    Great ideas! Number 2 is the most effective and widely used strategy in our home. 🙂 We also have a natural break in iPad use/TV whenever we are on vacation. Everyone in the family avoids using either of those and we just enjoy the time together, making memories!

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