Doctors Notes:

Tips to Reduce Screen Time While in Our Office

In a perfect world, the amount of time you spend waiting in our office would be minimal. We recognize your time is important and we want to be efficient during your visit. However, sometimes things don’t go exactly like we planned, and you end up waiting at some point during your visit. We removed the tubs of books from our exam rooms during COVID, and we do not plan to return them now. Over the past year or so, I often observe young children watching a screen when I enter the room. Screens such as cell phones or tablets are highly entertaining to your children and keep them quiet while waiting for us. However, as a healthcare professional who works with children, the amount of time young children spend on screens is concerning.

I am not the only child healthcare provider concerned about this. We know that as the amount of time a child spends on a screen increases, so does the likelihood of developmental delays, obesity, sleep difficulties, and mental health diagnoses over time. When it comes to screen time, less is more. The 2023 updated American Academy of Pediatrics screen time recommendations can be found here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Where-We-Stand-TV-Viewing-Time.aspx.

So, what are alternatives to screen time when you find yourself waiting in our office?

1. As the parent, model good screen time habits for your children. If you are waiting for us, look at the information on our walls, bring something from home to read, or show your child that sitting quietly for a time without a screen is okay.
2. As you enter our office, there is a “Little Free Library” in our lobby. Grab a book that is new to your child and look at it if needed.
3. If your child is less than 5, they will receive a “Reach Out and Read” book at their well child exam. Look at that with your child. When parents model how fun it is to read, the children are likely to follow.
4. Play “I Spy”. Our rooms are painted and decorated in bright colors for a reason. You can play “I Spy” with colors, shapes, and textures and each room should have a variety of different opportunities for this.
5. Last, put a few things in your bag that your children only get to see and play with when they are in our office. This will make these items new and fun while they are here. Examples of something that fits in your bag might be a couple matchbox cars, the “Spot It” game, special book, or action figure.

These are easy to follow tips that may come in handy when waiting at other places too! Just like you, we want to see your child grow and develop to the best of their potential. Thanks for partnering with us in their care.