00:00Hello, welcome, Adav, Sasriya call. It's not KBC, it's Dr. Pedia podcast channel, your trusted source for parenting tips and child health insights.
00:16Hi, I'm Dr. Prashanth Gowda. Namaskara, Namuni Nahu Nirmma, Karnataka the Makala Thagnya, Dr. Prashanth Gowda.
00:24I'm a neonatologist and pediatrician and director of DYU Women and Child Care.
00:30Today, we are talking about an important topic, kids' screen time and the value of co-watching.
00:37I got one interesting OPD case where the parents came with a child, 10-year-old child, and the child was asking certain energy drink and then he was asking certain chocolates, certain junk foods.
00:52And the kid was creating havoc and, you know, very stubborn, shouting, screaming for that particular thing.
01:00The parents came to me that we are unable to handle him, can you help us out?
01:05Then I advised them to spend time morning till evening and just leave him and see what exactly he does throughout the day.
01:16And they also were surprised that they had not bought any of the aerated drinks or energy drinks or they have not drank in front of the child even when they go out or even inside the house.
01:28And they were surprised at who is filling the kids' mind about all the unhealthy junk food.
01:35And then they observed that while watching certain YouTube videos, certain ads were popping up with certain energy drinks and certain junk foods.
01:48So that is where the kid was getting excited with the way the, you know, it would look and kid would, you know, be very stubborn and show tantrums to get that.
02:02So we advise them to do a co-watching and explain them and show them the videos in YouTube technology.
02:09Basically, you can't run away from technology.
02:11Screens are there everywhere, even if we are not showing, even every mirror can be converted into a smart screen.
02:19So the parents started showing because we have good things and bad things in YouTube channel.
02:26It's what we choose from the technology is very important.
02:28So they started showing the hazards of eating or drinking all this unhealthy drinks and food items.
02:37And the kid got slowly convinced and the tantrum and things got gotten better.
02:43So today's topic is about why co-watching is important.
02:47We live in a digital world.
02:49As I said, screens are everywhere.
02:51TVs, tablets, smartphones.
02:54While screens can be a great source of entertainment and learning,
02:57the key to healthy screen habits is how we engage with our children during the screen time.
03:03Co-watching means sitting down with your child while they watch or use screens.
03:09It's not just about supervising.
03:11It's about being actively involved just like a child.
03:16And studies show that co-watching helps in enhancing comprehension as I mentioned in the small story,
03:25especially for the younger kids.
03:26Opens opportunity for teaching moments by discussing the content.
03:30Helps children feel emotionally connected and supported.
03:34What you can do as a parent?
03:36Here are some practical tips.
03:38Choose quality content.
03:40Opt for educational and age-appropriate shows or apps.
03:44Ask questions.
03:45For example, what do you think will happen next?
03:47This encourages them to think, have a critical thinking.
03:52Set limits.
03:53Anything which is in excess is going to cause problem.
03:57So, even with co-watching, ensure screen time is balanced with other activities like outdoor play and family time.
04:05Model behavior.
04:06Kids mimic what they see.
04:07So, please be aware that they are watching you.
04:10If you are glued with your mobile, watching Instagram reels, YouTube videos,
04:15and then you yourself not following this limit, they are going to follow you.
04:20And it's easy for them to follow wrong things.
04:23It's very difficult for them to do the right things.
04:26So, be a responsible watcher.
04:27Parents, your involvement makes all the difference.
04:30Co-watching is not just about screen time.
04:32It's about your quality time.
04:34It's a bonding time.
04:35So, grab some popcorn, join your child, and turn your screen time into a most happening and the most bonding time.
04:45This is Dr. Prashant Gowda on Dr. PDR podcast channel.
04:49Thank you for listening.
04:50And as always, happy parenting.
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