Uh Oh, Are We Doing Screen Time Wrong?

My five-year-old has turned into a monster lately. Is this a phase, or something more?

Photo by Marco Aurélio Conde on Unsplash

“I want to watch my iPaaaaaaaad.” “Daddy, I want to watch your phooooone.” 

If I close my eyes, I can hear those phrases in the voice of my very whiny five-year-old. 

To be fair, she broke her arm. Nonetheless, the moaning and supercharged emotional response when the request is denied makes me want to throw the iPad into the trash. She does not say “please.” And does not take “no” for an answer without a tantrum. 

Any quiet moment is filled with this request. Clearing the table. Walking to the car.

Everywhere.

We have a problem. I know that. I just don’t know if it’s a screen time problem. 

How did we get here? I have a few theories and, honestly, could use your advice.