We need to get screens away from our kids...yes yes, we know...everyone says the same thing.
I know you already know that you can't give children screens, that it's bad, that it affects their development and that it has implications for their lives.
It's as if we were in a daily battle, where technological villains surround us and the heroes in our family struggle to breathe.
We don't always know what or how we should do things, but we know that things have to happen. Everyday life is a battle that we have to fight every day.
We live in an era where applications are irresistible, increasingly interesting and even addictive, and cartoons are a constant presence in every facet of everyday life. There is advertising, cartoons in books and notebooks, merchandising in every store.
Our children are bombarded with stimuli – they want to watch, play, follow and even buy. It’s a reality we can’t escape, but we can choose our battles wisely.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of fear when it comes to technology. But did you know that our parents were also afraid of other innovations, such as the ever-newer computers and mobile phones? Remember the fears of automatic toll booths or supermarket checkouts?
Even with old toys, there were fears with innovations.
Some 80 years ago, or however many, newspaper reports came out saying that spinning tops, the toy spinning top, the Madara spinning top, would harm children, that it was a dangerous toy. So, we always have some fear and there are always studies that say that things are harmful, but if we look closely, oxygen is also harmful, but it is also essential. We have pollution, we have toxins, we have lots of things in the air that we breathe.
Let’s also remember that not all concerns about technology are new. Decades ago, calculators were considered harmful to children’s development, and toys from other eras were seen as dangerous. Fears change over time, but it’s essential to discern between real risks and unfounded concerns.
As a mother who talks to many of you every day, I want to share three truths that I have learned along the way:
You are not alone in this battle: It is comforting to know that we are not alone. Each family faces this challenge in a unique way, but together we can support each other and share experiences.
This battle has no definitive end: It is important to accept that we cannot win this battle once and for all. It is a continuous process of learning and adaptation. Technology is here to stay, it seems that people are born with it, but we need to manage it.
Choose Your Battles Wisely: We don’t have to win every little fight. We should choose meaningful moments to limit technology use, prioritizing the safety and healthy development of our children.
So we need to choose our battles. On the one hand, I know I should tell you: Don't let it show, make an effort, there are other solutions, we have educational toys. On the other hand, I also know that life is not like that, because I myself have this battle at home.
Choose moments when it makes sense, or is even necessary. Choose applications that are safe, use parental controls, limit the apps you install, because let's not forget, there are dangers in technology. Be it chats, videos on YouTube, games and advertisements in apps.
Weekends here at home are just fun, but would it be better with the television turned off? 
But if you need suggestions and creative ways to combat technology overload, we're here for you!
Let's promote Alternative Activities: We encourage other activities, such as reading or coloring books , playing outdoors , doing crafts or playing board games.
Let's try to find the physical games that spark the most interest in technology to offer children as a way of developing their cognitive, motor skills, concentration and frustration. Puzzles , towers and challenges or open-ended toys such as connetix and wooden blocks are always a good choice.
Let's Be an Example: Parents should model balanced behavior in relation to technology, demonstrating responsible and limited use in the presence of children. They are a mirror of us, if we have a cell phone in our hands, they tend to want to imitate us.
Set specific times for technology use, such as before dinner or on weekends.
So what about Fun Alternatives?
For Young Children (1-3 years):
Sets of colorful building blocks.
Interactive books with textures and sounds .
Simple musical toys, such as drums or xylophones.
For Preschoolers (3-5 years):
Fitting and puzzle games .
Craft sets with paints and paper.
Toy vehicles, such as cars and trucks .
For School Age Children (6+ years):
Science kits for simple experiments.
Strategic and educational board games.
More advanced art supplies, such as professional colored pencils or drawing kits.
Balancing the use of technology, adrenaline and the constant supply of stimuli in children's lives is essential for their healthy development and well-being.
There are children who need more stimuli, but they also need reality, to slow down, to know how to calm down and reduce.
By setting limits, promoting fun and educational alternatives, and being a positive role model, we can help shape healthy technology habits from a young age.
We hope these guidelines and toy suggestions are helpful in combating technology overload and providing enriching experiences for your children.
