Can we look at Screen time positively?

With schools closed and physical education an impossibility for the foreseeable future, technology has swooped in and taken control in the form of online schools, classes in tuitions. However, the challenge becomes that much harder when it comes to toddlers and younger children.

All the external avenues to meet, greet, play and learn are currently closed, it is natural for them to turn to the one avenue of entertainment open to them – Screen time. Cable Channels and streaming services are constantly streaming movies, new series, documentaries and a whole host of viewing material for audience of all ages.

So the question arises not only about the amount of time that children are glued to the screen but also about the content they watch. It is a proven fact that movies have the ability to persuade and teach its audiences. Some of the best told stories are those that transport the viewer inside them, identify with its characters and learn important lessons.

Productive Screen time!

Hence, while it is an undeniable fact that screen time for toddlers and young children has increased exponentially, parents can learn to utilise this turn of events to their advantage. Parents and caretakers can strategically choose age - appropriate movies to teach a particular life lesson or a character trait that they wish for their child to learn.

Discuss the values / lesson

Immediately after the movie ends, a discussion to impress that lesson just drives the point home.

Craft it up!

How many frozen - theme parties have you been to, honestly! Characters leave a mark on our kids and a craft session in the movie theme with a lil' help from pinterest will surely keep your toddlers entertained and yet, ironically, away from the screens!

Role Play

We all want to be Harry Potter! Role play with your child and come up with new stories of these characters with them. This encourages creativity and it's a great stress buster for you too.

Here is a handy list of movies and value lessons you can discuss

Determination, Grit, Hardwork & Teamwork

These are great values to live by. There are a host of movies that discuss these values and in a way that children find exciting to watch. Some of those movies are Zootopia, Moana, The Chronicles of Narnia, Big Hero 6, Chicken Run.

Environment Preservation

This is the reality that this generation has inherited from us. It is now of utmost importance that they understand the need to protect our environment. Some movies that stress on this message are The Lorax, Over the Hedge, Bambi, Wall-E. Within these movies there are short and very potent messages about reuse, reduce, and recycle with thought provoking morals.

I see a craft activity in the offing!

Children are familiar with technology. Discuss with them the positive aspects of it like the reduction of use of paper, discontinuing the use of plastic, irresponsible discarding of garbage, etc. These are everyday topics and continuous discussion will help in raising them to be responsible adults.

Circle of Life & Embracing Destiny

Yes, discuss death. It is a fact of life and while we don't discuss it with our child before a tragic event occurs, we should approach the subject gently. There is no better movie to exemplify this trait than ‘The Lion King’.

With children around grandparents, this topic is easier to talk about. You can point out how three generations are living in the same house and how life works where you are born as an infant and then progress to being a toddler, young adult, mid-life to old age and then finally rest in peace, while another generation starts the same journey. Everyone is born with a purpose and to live a full life, it is important to embrace your purpose of life. Another story that also brings credence to this is Frozen and Frozen II.

Importance of family

Movies that showcase family values and the importance of togetherness and love can really have a profound effect on toddlers and young children. They watch and imbibe the essence of relationships and how they are conducted with love and understanding.

Some movies that are crystal clear with this message and are amazing to watch as a family are Coco, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Shrek Series. This concept is best lived through rather than explained.

Moral Courage – Doing what is Right

It is a great dinner table conversation where children listen to different views. But viewing on a large screen as a story that depicts characters who are morally upright and ready to do what is right, no matter what obstacles are in their way, has a way of entering their subconscious mind as a life long learning.

Brave, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz and the Harry Potter series depict this character trait strongly.

Other movies that can form a part of the family viewing portfolio and are powerful moral teachers are :

Inside Out: a fabulous way for children to learn about their emotions and that it’s ok and normal to feel them all

Charlotte’s Web: A great lesson to make the most of life as it is today.

Up: A brilliantly touching story cementing a very important lesson - It is never too late to achieve your dreams

Beauty and the Beast: A classic Disney tale that teaches children to accept themselves as they are and to look beyond the obvious.