Thread by @Gautaamm

When my wife was pregnant with our older child, she remarked one day how ironic it is that the first picture of every newborn is on FB! We decided right there not to post any pictures of our children on social media and have kept at it! #parenting #smartphones #screentime

Then I saw this article today and it reminded me of another crucial parenting decision we had taken! #parenting #smartphones #screentime

When she was born, another aspect of parenting we noticed was the huge dependence on screen time of new age parents. We were based in the US at that point and someone challenged us to not do the same. Right there we make up our minds not to #parenting #smartphones #screentime

Allow our child ANY screen time till the age of 2 at least, except for FaceTime with grandparents back in India. The rule was mainly to ensure the child does not depend on the screen to consume meals. We also did not want the nanny to use #parenting #smartphones #screentime

The phone as a sub-nanny when we were not at home. That meant a LOT of dedication from both of us. It meant reading books, telling stories and playing games even when we were tired and needed a break. Because the alternative was the phone! #parenting #smartphones #screentime

It meant not chatting with friends for long hours because our daughter was right there. But it paid off! We would be with friends and they would be amazed how well our child played or ate her food, while theirs did not. #parenting #smartphones #screentime

Magically their children would eat when my wife fed them with our child without a device! But it took efforts! And a strong conviction NOT to fall prey to the temptation. We had to get innovative! There were a lot of playdo sessions! #parenting #smartphones #screentjme

I will never forget we went for a gala dinner for Natasamrat! And took our child along. My wife played with her the entire evening without any disturbance to Mahesh Manjrekar and co. Everyone on the table offered their iPad but we declined. #parenting #amartphones #screentime

And were shocked to see us pull it off! We would write down stories as we remembered them and make up some to be able to keep her engaged. We would hunt for activities and take her there to spend free time. #parenting #smartphones #screentime

I would put her in the kids seat on my bicycle and go for a ride either in my complex or along the local canal trail. We knew every local library, zoo, children’s museum etc and spend lots of time there! #parenting #smartphones #screentime

Among other reasons to keep her away from the cellphone. It has worked! We were easily able to do it till she was 2! Then 3 and then 4! Even 5. Even today as she is nearly 6, she will not touch the phone without asking us. She is not allowed #parenting #smartphones #screentime

To pick up the phone without asking us. She cannot play ANY games on the phone. She cannot watch videos on YouTube! She is allowed 30-45 mins of TV on Sat and Sun each but rarely more, except if it’s sports!#parenting #smartphones #screentime

We are following the same with our younger child. It’s definitely tougher with two kids but we plan to try our best. He is nearly 2 now. When I read articles about how parents need coaches to teach them how to parent without screen-time. #parenting #smartphones #screentime

It saddens me. All it needs a commitment from BOTH parents and support from close and extended family to help you achieve your goal. If nothing else, please avoid the devices at two key points: during meals and right before bed time! #parenting #smartphones #screentime

A friend of ours said something very important. “Be clear when you do something, is it for your benefit or your children’s? Don’t use them as a shield!” So don’t use “learning apps” etc as a justification for screen time!Hope this helps! #parenting #smartphones #screentime