Why Parents Love Handsfree Parenting?
Handsfree parenting is a popular parenting approach in the digital age, where parents use digital devices to engage and occupy children. In today’s world, with the prevalence of smartphones, tablets, and video games, this style of parenting has gained significant popularity among parents for several compelling reasons.
Why is handsfree parenting so popular among today’s parents? Firstly, handsfree parenting offers a high degree of convenience for parents. It permits them to complete household tasks, run errands, or simply unwind while their children remain engrossed in digital entertainment. For instance, a parent can prepare dinner while their child watches videos on a tablet, or they can tackle errands while their child engages with games on a smartphone.
Furthermore, this parenting style can significantly reduce stress levels among parents. When children are immersed in digital activities, parents are relieved of concerns about their children getting into mischief or experiencing boredom. This aspect is particularly beneficial for parents managing multiple children or maintaining a hectic schedule.
Handsfree parenting can also enhance parental productivity. With children absorbed in digital distractions, parents can concentrate on their own responsibilities without interruptions. This is especially advantageous for those who work from home or have demanding careers.
Over time, children pay a price for the decisions of their parents. Scientists found that when the kids spend more time in front of iPads, computers, TVs and mobile phones, they experienced increasing levels of “clinically significant inattention problems” as well as other ADHD-type behaviour issues. When the amount of daily screen time increased from 30 minutes to more than two hours a day, the problems multiplied by at least five times.
Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on children’s physical and mental health. Additionally, it may hinder children’s social development due to a lack of face to face interaction. Therefore, it is vital for parents to use handsfree parenting in moderation and ensure that their children also receive sufficient physical activity, social interaction, and rest.
Source:
Tamana SK, Ezeugwu V, Chikuma J, Lefebvre DL, Azad MB, Moraes TJ, et al. (2019) Screen-time is associated with inattention problems in preschoolers: Results from the CHILD birth cohort study. PLoS ONE 14(4): e0213995. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213995