It was so dead on about what our family needs. For years I have been certain that screen time impacts my kids behavior. Then I heard about this book and the results from doing an electronic fast. It clicked for me and I immediately ordered the book. She talks about the effects screen time has on the brain and how it intensifies problem areas. Especially in children already prone to things like anxiety or intense emotions. It makes tics more frequent and anger more intense. These are definitely things I have seen. We deal with big emotions already and I can definitely see how much more intense this child gets when they have had too much screen time. There is so much information on the ways it affects our brains in the book. These are just the things that we deal with in our home.
So during the fast, the kids will have no electronics at all. This includes TV and movies. Also all home devices such as Alexa and Google Home. The idea behind it is that they need to reset their brains. Actually, so do Brian and I. We intend to participate in the fast also. Obviously I am writing this on a computer so I will be having some electronics. Brian will still work on an computer at work and we will have our phones for texting and calls. Other than that, we will put everything away and when the kids are with us we won't have any electronics either.
Am I nervous you ask? Yes! I home-school and I will admit that I use electronic time for rewards and just so I can get things done. I am nervous that I will have zero down time. I want to do the fast super strict, so I am also keeping my kids with me at all times. I don't want them to go to a friends house and sneak some screen time. So it could certainly be a long three weeks for me. Brian and I will be giving each other kid breaks and swapping in the evenings. I made a very detailed calendar with lots of fun things to do and to keep us all on track.
How did my kids take it? We have talked about it a lot and they almost seemed relieved. Charlie especially seemed relieved. I think they know that they want, think and have electronics too much. It is definitely an addiction. And I think everyone is excited to shake it.
When I showed them this calendar, they were super excited to get the week started. That was the key, make it feel like it's not a punishment. So we will see what happens when they wake up and reality sets in.
I will update regularly on here and Youtube.
We made a short introduction video about what we are doing. Check that out here.
Video Here
Wish us luck!
Stacey
You are so brave! Good luck!
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