Lovneet Batra Shares Insights on Balancing Mealtime and Screen Time for Children
In today’s technology-driven world, parents globally are increasingly apprehensive about the amount of time their children spend in front of screens. Despite efforts to instill healthy habits, many children opt for watching television, playing video games, or scrolling through tablets rather than engaging in other activities—particularly during meals. This trend can adversely affect their health, making it crucial for parents to find a balance between screen time and healthy eating. Fortunately, nutritionist Lovneet Batra has proposed some effective strategies to help parents navigate this dilemma. In a recent Instagram video, she shares her personal insights and practical approaches for harmonizing mealtime with screen time. “Attention, parents! Our children are often fixated on their screens, and that’s not the environment we want them in. How can we address this wisely? We need to approach it together. Here, I share a #personalstory along with some creative playtime techniques that can assist you in harmonizing your kids’ mealtime and screen time,” she advises.
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In the video, Batra expresses her concerns as a mother regarding her child’s screen time, particularly during meals. “As a parent, I’m genuinely worried about how much screen time my child gets, especially at mealtimes, and I know I’m not alone in this. So, what can we do? We must lead by example. It’s vital for us to monitor our own screen usage around children, particularly during meals, since they tend to imitate our behavior,” she states.
To keep children engaged during meals, she offers practical suggestions. “It’s crucial to find ways to keep them occupied,” she emphasizes. “For instance, I give my son a puzzle to work on while he eats, which captures his interest and keeps him from asking for screens.”
Batra provides additional solutions to help reduce screen time at the dinner table. “I also weave stories about vegetables and fruits into our meals, making it a more engaging activity for him. Involving him in choices—like selecting the color of his plate or the vegetables and fruits he prefers—makes a significant impact,” she explains. “Incorporating a simple ritual, such as expressing gratitude before eating or sharing a joyful moment from the day, can also be beneficial. You might be surprised at how these small strategies can divert attention away from screens,” she concludes.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, offers general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a healthcare specialist or your physician for personalized advice. USNEWS.APP does not assume responsibility for this information.
