Big Strides Occupational Therapy

If you have to turn on a screen for your kids:

1. Research shows co-watching (parent watching with child) can actually boost social and emotional development. Plus this way you can make sure the content is really kid safe and upholds your family values (why do you think we have so many teenage 5 year olds 🙃).

2. Opt for older stuff that millennials and older generations grew up with. It’s MUCH less stimulating (and less dodgy/woke content for the most part).

3. Everything in moderation. 3+ hours of screen time (this includes TV, phone & tablet) a day is too much. And kids under the age of 2 shouldn’t have any screen time (they don’t need it, a book, open-ended toy or just being outside is more than enough!)

4. It’s okay if your child is bored sometimes. Boredom generates ideas. Let them come up with their own ways to keep busy and have fun. Or include them in chores - as soon as your child can walk they can help unload the dishwasher. And in case you haven’t tried it, babies love watching us do arbitrary things like folding laundry. I stick my baby in her pram, take her outside to watch me hang up washing, and then I talk her through what I’m doing (hello language skills). Include them in daily life, they enjoy it more than you realise 😉

Paw Patrol is overstimulating and no, it’s not “just a kids show.” Paw Patrol is: • Fast scene changes • Loud sirens & constant background noise • Bright, flashing colors • High-stakes “emergencies” every episode • Little time for a child’s brain to process what just happened What overstimulation can look like after: • Hyperactivity • Emotional meltdowns • Aggression • Trouble listening • Difficulty transitioning to calm activities Now let’s talk about Clifford! Clifford is low stimulating and is: • Slower pacing • Softer colors • Calm, predictable music • Simple storylines • Clear social and emotional lessons What low stimulation supports: • Emotional regulation • Better focus • Imaginative play • Calmer transitions • Stronger comprehension This isn’t about banning Paw Patrol forever. It’s about balance and understanding how media impacts developing brains. Your child isn’t “bad” or “wild.” Their nervous system might just be overloaded! And yes, what they watch matters😬🫶🏼 #lowstimulatingshows #overstimulation #lowstimulation #toddlerscreentime #ScreenTimeBalance #toddlershows