Technology

First off I'd like to say that I fully recognize that every child is different and am in no way being negative towards those whose children do well with technology. But as for Grace, I've pretty much banned her from TV, iPads, iPhones, iPods, etc. and I'm loving it (most of the time). 

I know that everyone says and knows  that 2 year olds are hyper...but I promise you Grace is not a normal 2 year old. At least at home. Other people say how quiet and well behaved she is when she is with them and I honestly don't understand how she holds it all in for me and Nannie (my mom is my primary baby sitter...so she gets worst of the worst from Grace too). 

Grace learned really young how to work iPads, iPhones, etc and loved to watch tv like most kids nowadays. Like she could find her games on my phone at 12 months. On one hand that's impressive, but on the other hand I think it's super sad that kids these days are so attached. I noticed her behavior getting worse and worse from about 18 months on and most of her meltdowns were either about some device or happened right after playing on one or watching tv. I think she could possibly be ADHD and research shows how constant stimulation by devices and TV are contributing to this. So we've cut back. HUGELY. We may watch 1-2 30 min shows a day. That's it. Also I've lately tried to stay away from movies bc they are so fast paced and full of colors and scene changes and it just puts her brain in overdrive. She never plays with my phone. The only time I let her play with iPad is if I'm trapped nursing Emma and don't really have other options. And on the iPad she does puzzles or learning games, not movies. 

Since making this change she has been 100% better!!! Obviously we still have meltdowns and of course some days have more tv than I'd like but she has less meltdowns and is able to play independently for a much longer time. I think without her brain being constantly stimulated and bombarded, she's much calmer and plays so much better!

She also does better about not asking for tv and devices when it's just me and the girls. She knows that I won't give in. She was so mad at me constantly the first few days but it was totally worth it to just take time and play with her. I also had to learn that since I don't let her play devices, I can't either!! Such a struggle for me because we are so connected nowadays which is a blessing and a curse (I'm leaning more toward curse lately bc I think we are losing our ability to just talk to someone but that's a whole other issue). If she sees me or Avery with our phones out, she immediately wants them (esp Avery bc he's not as good at telling her no yet). So we've tried to get in the habit of no phones at night unless truly necessary. Same with my tv shows. We can't have the tv on one of our shows bc she pays attention to it and then wants hers instead. And that's not fair to her. So we watch tv after she's gone to bed. This has taught me to really enjoy playing with her and not always worrying ab being connected with the world or watching my shows. Because honestly, what's more important than a tea party with a 2 year old?!

Anyone else have technology probs with their kids??