Supernanny Jo Frost has some sage words of advice for parents as she revealed the ‘biggest problem’ she sees in modern parenting.
We all want the best for our children and try to achieve this. But our lives are very busy and we don’t always have the time that we wish we did to do all the lovely activities. Sometimes we just have to do laundry, mow the lawn or work, while our kids are left to entertain themselves.
This was the norm when we were children and sent out to play from morning until night, with not a playdate or activity in sight. These days, though, things are a little different and children are far more used to being played with and entertained by parents, which is a problem if we are busy.
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So what do we do? Dish out the trusty emergency screentime, which is what TV personality Jo Frost is saying is a big issue.
Taking to TikTok, the former TV nanny said that parents handing the iPad over as a treat to their kids makes all the other stuff, the outdoor time and playing, boring and they are less likely to want to do it.
‘That is one of the biggest problems today. When you see the iPad as a treat and the one thing that seems the best over all [other activities], your children will see it as that, too. And what should be the best, becomes the boring.’
She added that reading, colouring and spending time outside should be the norm but should also be seen as a ‘treat’ instead of the iPad. ‘To put tech on a pedestal is to undervalue all the above things I mentioned and downplay the real, meaningful stuff that makes a difference, like learning new words, developing better motor skills, and widening your creativity.’
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‘A toddler’s day should be filled with curiosity and exploration of everything around them and the things they actively do. Less sedentary and much more energy,’ she added.
Divided comments
People took to the comments and not everyone agreed with Jo’s take on kids using iPads. While some were completely against it, others said it’s all about ‘balance’.
‘I agree with everything supernanny usually says but this I absolutely don’t. It’s all about balance. We’re not living in the same world as it was 20 years ago. Tech is now a way of life. My children play outside from 7am- 4.30pm they would be out longer if they could! However after dinner they have an hour either watching tele or on their iPads,’ said one parent.
‘We REFUSE to give them iPads. No iPad kids in this house thankyouuu,’ someone else added while a third said: ‘It seems counterproductive to preach no screens and first day of school the school district hands out iPads/Chromebooks for 75% of the kids’ learning.’
@jofrost Have a great week ahead, families & remember…..😉 Jo xx
♬ original sound – Jo Frost
