Screen Time and Nannying: Your Guide to Acing it
Screens don’t have to be the enemy. When used right, they can be another tool in your nanny kit. Here’s how to navigate the digital world while on the job – and making the most of your nanny kiddos’ allotted screen time.
Screen time and nannying is a hot topic
1. Align With the Family’s Plan
Every household has its own tech vibe. Some run a “no‑screens‑till‑weekend” policy; others rely on a daily PBS Kids episode while dinner simmers.
Before you even unlock the tablet, ask parents what’s allowed, when, and why. Smart Sitting guidelines state that screens are off‑limits unless a parent specifically builds them into the routine, so always follow the parents lead.
Remember: kids’ allotted screen time minutes may be best saved until your shift is over, so only bring devices into play (pun intended!) if the parent asks you to
What Research Says About Screen Time
You may know that children’s screen time should be limited, but not why. The reason is that researchers have found links between screen time and various health and development effects in children.
Kids who spend more time in front of screens are more prone to also experience loneliness, depression, and obesity, even though a causality has not been established.
Screen time may also increase the risk for nearsightedness
More than four hours a day of screen time in infancy has been linked to later delays in communication and problem‑solving skills
Studies have also shown that screen time is linked to poorer sleep quality and less sleep, a fundamental part of children’s development and growth.
With this in mind, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends only using screens for video‑chats under 18 months, about one hour of high‑quality, co‑viewed media for ages 2‑5, and balanced, purpose‑driven use for older kids. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends children under the age of 2 to have no screen time.
2. Choose High‑Quality, Age‑Appropriate Content
Not all pixels are created equal. Aim for apps and shows designed with educators so your mini humans learn while they laugh. Parents also love to know that you’ve been mindful about the content their kiddos consume.
Tiny tots (2‑4): Daniel Tiger Play at Home teaches feelings; PBS Kids Play & Learn Engineering lets little fingers build roller coasters.
Early readers (5‑7): Endless Alphabet and Starfall sneak phonics into silly monster videos.
STEM lovers (7‑10): Wild Kratts Rescue Run turns zoology into a platformer; Khan Academy Kids covers math and art in one swipe.
3. Turn Watching Into Doing
Pro-tip: be involved in the kid’s screen time. Watch the shows or games together and discuss what you are experiencing.
“Why do you think the astronaut needs that helmet?” “How do you think he felt when that kid ran off with his ball?” Pause to predict plot twists or act out a character’s dance break.
Research shows that talking about screen content supercharges language growth far more than passive viewing. It’s also a great tool to talk about tricky feelings or help kiddos understand how other people are feeling and their reactions.
Super Tips for Better Screen Time with Kids
Set Structure
Give a five‑minute warning and let a visual timer count down – surprises spark meltdowns.
Pair screens with routines: an episode only after toys are put away or right before quiet‑time reading. Predictable limits and boundaries help kids switch gears without tears.
Safety First
Flip on kids’ profiles, disable autoplay, and lock in‑app purchases. Check with parents to make sure they’ve enabled whatever parental controls they find important on the device.
Teach older children the basics of digital citizenship: no real names in gamer tags and always ask before downloading anything new.
Keep Your Own Phone in Check
Little eyes copy what they see. Keep personal scrolling to quick parent texts or emergencies; stash the phone during play so your attention says, “you matter most.”
Are You a Tech-Savvy Nanny Looking for a Job?
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