However, <\/span>setting consistent screen time limits is an important way of ensuring continuity for your child<\/b> and making sure that they maintain a healthy relationship with technology. We asked family psychologist Maria Guerrero for her tips on how to set screen time rules when you\u2019re co-parenting – and how Qustodio can help.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Depending on your relationship with your co-parent, it may be difficult to decide on every rule in one sitting. You can always start small: <\/span>choose one aspect of tech use to make a decision about first<\/b>. This will keep the conversation focused and make it easier to take a pause if you do hit any tension.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sure which aspects of your child\u2019s screen time to talk about, then<\/span> take a look at Qustodio\u2019s <\/b>digital agreement<\/b><\/a>. It includes a range of conversation starters and ideas to guide your conversations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many separated and divorced parents find it difficult to say no to their children without feeling guilty. According to Guerrero, this can be because they want to \u201cmake up for their absence, show their love, or alleviate their guilt\u201d. However, in reality,<\/span> limits give children security<\/b>, and setting boundaries will help them much more in the long run. <\/span>Parental control tools<\/span><\/a> like Qustodio are a great way to set regular, consistent limits without the arguments.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whenever conflicts arise, it\u2019s important to prioritize your child above all else. <\/span>Resolving disagreements is not about winning the argument or giving in to your co-parent\u2019s point of view<\/b> – it\u2019s about coming to the solution that best benefits your child. Whenever you reach a block in your agreements, take a step back and really focus on the outcome you want for them, rather than for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Focusing your discussions around proven research will help to take emotion out of the equation. Rather than trying to convince each other of your own opinions, you can<\/span> focus on the facts around what a healthy relationship with screen time really looks like<\/b>. Go to your co-parent with information about <\/span>how much screen time is safe<\/span><\/a>, the impact of <\/span>using screens before bed<\/span><\/a>, and the <\/span>effects of technology on your child\u2019s focus<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll find your conversations to be more efficient with less room for arguments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Insulting your co-parent not only creates communication blocks between you, but harms your child as well. <\/span>Children who are exposed to conflict between their parents – such as observing arguments or having to act as a go-between – <\/b>express greater fear of abandonment<\/b><\/a>. It\u2019s also much harder to convince your kids to follow the rules you set when they know that you and your co-parent struggled to agree on them in the first place. For these reasons <\/span>it\u2019s key to put on a united front <\/b>when it comes to setting screen time rules and save discussions for moments away from your kids. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2023\/11\/07104510\/Co-parenting-Refresh_Inside-Image.jpg” alt=”Technology tips to help with the back to school routine” title_text=”Co-parenting” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve decided on the boundaries that both you and your co-parent want to set, <\/span>Qustodio\u2019s <\/b>parental control tools<\/b><\/a> make it easier to enforce <\/b>them. Among other things, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n All of these will help ensure your kids stick to the limits you set, wherever they are.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Qustodio offers a number of ways for you to see how your children are using their devices. <\/span>Receive activity summaries straight to your inbox or head to the Parents App for more detailed information <\/b>including exactly what they accessed, and when. You can also switch on activity alerts – so if your child starts using a new app, or tries to open a website you\u2019ve blocked, you\u2019ll know straight away.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Qustodio\u2019s <\/span>additional parent<\/b> feature has been especially designed to help co-parents to supervise their children. It enables you and your co-parent to use your own personal login details for one account – so <\/span>you don\u2019t need to share your password<\/b>. You can both log in separately to manage your child\u2019s screen time and see how they\u2019re using their devices, plus receive activity reports in your own inboxes.<\/span><\/p>\n If you have a Qustodio account already, you just need to head to your <\/span>account <\/b>page, go to the <\/span>additional parent<\/b> section and add your co-parent\u2019s email address, then hit <\/span>invite now<\/b>. They\u2019ll receive an email inviting them to join your account and will be able to start supervising straight away.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With a combination of Qustodio\u2019s parental control tools and Guerrero\u2019s expert tips, you and your co-parent will be on track to support your child\u2019s wellbeing without the stress.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Parenting in the digital age is complicated enough – co-parenting can make it even harder. It\u2019s not uncommon for opinions about your child\u2019s use of screens to become a source of conflict, especially if your households have different expectations or ways of doing things.\u00a0 However, setting consistent screen time limits is an important way of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":52995,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Take it one step at a time<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to set ground rules<\/b><\/h2>\n
Put your child\u2019s wellbeing first<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Create rules based on evidence<\/b><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t talk badly of your co-parent around your child<\/b><\/h2>\n
How Qustodio can help<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Set blocks and limits<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Monitor activity<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Supervise alongside your co-parent<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Parenting today is hard. And co-parenting is even harder. It\u2019s difficult enough for two parents in the same house to agree on what the rules should be, and it\u2019s arguably twice as hard for divorced or separated parents in different homes. In terms of screen time, <\/span>two homes can quickly translate into double the hours of television, games and movies<\/strong>.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
Help setting common screen time rules with your ex<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nA divorce is a very difficult decision with a high emotional cost. Between 40% and 50% of marriages end in separation or divorce<\/strong>, according to data published by Eurostat<\/a>. And 97% of divorces have a high level of conflict in couples, according to the First Observatory of Family Law in Spain prepared by the Spanish Association of Family Lawyers (AEAFA<\/a>). Divorce also has a high emotional impact on children. An investigation published in the journal \u2018Child Development<\/a>\u2018 points out that the conflict between divorced or separated parents increases the risk that children develop physical and mental health problems, due to the fear of feeling abandoned.\r\n\r\nSetting clear and consistent rules across both households regarding not just screen time, but also homework, hours of sleep, etc, can help avoid any additional suffering. But coming to a screen time agreement with your ex isn\u2019t always easy, or possible. Below are some tips to help you do the things that are under your control.\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
6 co-parenting tips for setting screen time rules<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
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<\/div>\r\n<\/h3>\r\n
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Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nDuring a divorce or separation, above all, do not use your children as weapons to attack your former partner. And, remember, screen time does not equal love, fair and consistent limits do, and that definitely includes time limits. This holds true no matter what your family structure.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n