11/15/2025
What are the risks of too much screen time for young children? 🤔🖥️
With screens everywhere these days, keeping kids’ exposure in check can feel like an uphill battle. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), less is more, especially for little ones. The AAP recommends very limited screen time for children under 18 months and a maximum of one hour per day for kids aged 2 to 5, with supervision.
Research shows that preschoolers who go beyond these guidelines have slower development in brain areas important for language and early literacy skills. In short, too much screen time can hold back young minds compared to hands-on activities and real-life interactions.
No parent is perfect, and it is easy to rely on screens. One great strategy is to set a good example yourself. Here are some creative screen-free activities to try:
🚴♀️ Go on a bike ride
🌱 Start a garden together
🎨 Dive into arts and crafts
🍳 Cook new recipes as a team
🃏 Invent a card game
🎨 Host a sidewalk chalk art contest
🔍 Plan a scavenger hunt
💃 Have a dance-off
🧩 Work on puzzles
The options are endless. By encouraging this kind of interactive play early on, you help your kids build healthy habits for both their minds and bodies.
Looking for holistic family health advice? Our office is here to guide you. Reach out today! 📞