Technology concerns

Have just come home from looking after 2 GS’s while the parents were away for 5 days. DS had asked me to time them on games etc Like most kids they are obsessed, but I stood my ground, was given the “evil eye” a couple of times but they had no choice but to comply. Kids will sulk or strop to wear you down and get their own way, but with the parents backing, stand your ground and tell them how it’s gonna be at your house from now on. If they have unlimited access at home, it’s difficult ... but if we don’t talk to our kids and have their full attention ... we lose the relationship with them and I for one will not let that happen, so it’s timed sessions only when this Nanny is in charge !

My 5 yo DGD would spend all day on a tablet if we let her. We have a morning routine of tea in bed when she is allowed to use the tablet, and then I either tell her I’m going for a shower and ask her politely to turn off when I come back, or set a kitchen timer for her to turn off when the bell rings. It’s been working pretty well as she knows that tablet-time is coming to an end in advance and can prepare herself for it. Then we go and have breakfast and engage in other activities. I think to just say ‘turn off now’ is problematic - after all we wouldn’t be too impressed if someone said that to us when we’re in the middle of a GN post!

My DGS wants to spend as much time as he can on his tablet playing Minecraft or on the Xbox playing Ninjago or Batman. At first I was worried then saw how my DS & DiL dealt with this. There is a time limit on how much time DGS can spend then he has to play with constructive toys even if only building Lego. There are a few moans but as this was his parents way of dealing right from the start he does accept the rules! Weekends DiL takes DGS & DGD out to parks or playgrounds which both children love. So I think it depends on the parents rules & following along with the rules that they have set. Works for us but every child is different. Good luck with settling yours!

Most parents have a set screen time for children so first of all find out what it is - 15 mins/30 mins etc. Then stick to that. iPads have timers that can count down and our DGS reacts better to this. He is also ok when you warn him eg. 5 minutes left and so on.

As the grandparent, you are in charge. Just tell your grandchildren that when with you screen time is limited and offer alternatives. Ignore any strops. They will get use to it.

Thank you, all. It's good to hear a few different opinions on this.

To get this in perspective think of the iPad as equivalent to a book or toy in our day Whilst I m not advocating they are on them all the while when I went to my nans when mum was at work I used to take my book and maybe a pack of cards to play solitaire with or a colouring book to play with while she was busy I guess it’s similar
On the other hand I d say during their stay ‘put you iPad s away, pop your shoes on, we re going out to get an ice cream’ then make it last as long as you want if you start getting into a war over it they won’t be happy to come to yours and at the end of the day it’s their parents decision and you should ask them for guidance as to how much time they want them to spend on their devices if they say only an hour then THEY need to tell their kids when you’re at Nans you only use your iPads for one hour then do other things with Nanny not for you

I have had similar issues with my grandchildren - I have had various meltdowns that I just don't know how to handle. We did not grow up with this technology so it is hard to draw on previous experience.

mali24

You could make a rule that the iPads are not allowed at your house. Then you could ensure that you have many fun options available of things to do instead.

(I don't consider this making a "parenting decision" because I think it's perfectly reasonable to have a rule that you don't allow certain types of technology in your home.)

ask their parents what the limit is on the i-pads etc.If they have a time restraint they should have told you.If not then ask if you can make your own rule about it.If the parents have no concern and are happy with the time spent on tech ..then you have to live with it