Years ago when I was child-free, I told myself that I would never use the screen to replace all the fun activities I would do with my kids. Whenever I was at a restaurant and saw a mom pull out her phone to entertain her child, I would secretly judge her for her laziness and lack of creativity.
I imagined myself as one of those parents who did crafts, baked, cooked, played board games, organized scavenger hunts, had dance parties, sang songs, and read books with my kids. There is so much to do aside from sitting in front of a screen and absorbing mindless fluff.
Now that I have kids, I’ve had to reassess my expectations so that they are actually realistic. I do all those activities I said I would do, but there’s a point where it’s actually more productive and effective to use the screen.
From doing a workout without interruptions to cooking dinner efficiently, I’m glad I live in a world where YouTube exists. Here are four ways I use screen time to keep my sanity as a mom …
1. Getting in a Good Workout
Let’s be honest … who has the time to work out? It’s not just parents but people in general. Life is busy and there are so many other things to do in a day than getting down on the mat or going to the gym.
My mental and physical health, however, are things I vowed to never take for granted. Since having kids, I’ve had to completely change my exercise routine. I no longer have a gym membership. I don’t go to yoga classes, and I stopped going for runs. It takes too much planning and organization to fit in those types of workouts. I’d rather embed exercise into my daily routine to make sure I get it done.
My workouts now have to be short and intense so that I get the biggest bang for my buck. I do high-intensity intervals, strength training, and yoga at least three to four times a week. I cannot do these with two young kids running around, going between my legs, pulling at my arms, and interrupting my mindfulness practice.
During that time, I will regularly put YouTube on for them while I do my workout. They are focused on the screen while I get to focus on my body. Once I’m done, I turn off the screen and I’m more energized and mentally attuned to their needs.
2. Preparing Home-Cooked Meals Efficiently
Would I rather have my kids eat takeout or a home-cooked meal? Obviously, I’d prefer the latter. I enjoy cooking and I show my love through food.
I cannot cook safely or quickly, however, using a hot stove and flying knives with children underfoot. I need them to stay in one place while I get this done.
Does the risk of some screen time outweigh the health benefits of a home-cooked meal?
To me, it doesn’t.
3. Having a Timely Conversation Without Interruptions
My husband and I typically save most of those important discussions and relationship conversations for when the kids go to sleep. There are times, however, when we need to discuss things immediately without interruption.
For instance, we talk about how we’re going to fix our leaking fridge, respond to our mortgage broker who needs an answer ASAP, call our credit card company to discuss issues, and so forth.
It’s difficult to fully listen and pay attention when the kids are screaming or jumping around and making noise. Also, we need to make sure they’re playing safely, not making holes in the wall or ripping up the carpet.
That’s when a bit of screen time helps calm everyone down so that my husband and I can have an actual conversation.
4. Taking a Shower
My husband is a real estate agent, and so there are evenings where I’m parenting solo. I've gotten in a workout during the day, but sometimes I don't have the time to take shower before then.
The kids and I will have dinner, play and read for a bit, and then it’s pretty much bedtime. After a busy day, one of my favorite things to do to wind down is to take a shower. If I’ve also worked out that day, I’m really sweaty and gross, so I cannot wait until my husband comes home to take a shower.
But sometimes I can't wait, so I will put the TV on, go to the bathroom, and shower quickly with the door open. My mind and body feel so much better and refreshed for me to tackle double bedtime routines.
