That’s how long our kids are glued to their screens (spoiler: too long)

Moving with media? That’s how it is!

With these ten tips you can easily and quickly create more balance for your child between sitting still and being active, with AND without media.

1. Keep your distance from the screen

Have your child take three giant steps from the screen. This is better for the eyes! A TV invites you to sit far away more than a smartphone or tablet.

2. Change the posture

An active attitude makes all the difference. Sitting on the floor is more active than sitting on the couch. A crutch is even more active. Using standing media wins over all postures.

3. Alternate poses with each other

Read a book while sitting, play a game on the floor, or dance along to YouTube. And after 20 minutes come up with a ‘far away look assignment’. For example: do you see birds in the tree? Or: what color cars do you recognize there?

4. Join what you read, see or hear

During media use you can easily move along with the stories, for example when reading booklets and listening to podcasts. Together with your face, your hands and your feet, imagine what is happening and make funny and exciting sounds.

5. Discover movements

After a movie or game, let your child roll up completely and then stretch completely. Consciously explore together what it feels like to make yourself small AND big. Turn on some cheerful music and discover which movement arises.

6. Take action

Children need a lot of exercise every day from an early age. Is your child older than 3 years? Then at least one hour (moderate to heavy) intensive exercise is recommended. Think of climbing, running or cycling. Shopping together, vacuuming the stairs or cleaning windows is also part of it.

7. Connect media to other activities

Make a play together of what you have read in a book. Craft or draw the main characters. Or do a stop dance to the intro music of a video. In this way you alternate activities and connect movement to media.

8. Go outside together

Rain or shine, get out there. Go on a treasure hunt in the area, come up with a photo assignment, or search together (online) which plants and animals can be found in your area.

9. Don’t sit still for too long

Just as important as sufficient exercise is not to sit still for too long. Do not let your child sit in a child seat, buggy or car seat for more than an hour.

10. Lead by example

If you, as a parent, use media a lot while sitting, your child is more likely to imitate it. So also alternate between moments with and without media, and between moving, sitting and standing. And talk about it with your child. For example, ask what she/he thinks of your media use.