What should I do about a child who only watches YouTube?

YouTube is convenient, isn't it?

Once you turn it on and let it play, the child focuses on it and becomes quiet.

In the meantime, you can do housework and various other things.

If you really wanted to, you could even take a nap (laughs).

My children also love YouTube, and

when I ask them the day before a holiday what they want to do tomorrow,

they answer that they want to watch YouTube Shorts!

"Don't you want to go anywhere?"

"Nope."

Going out costs money, and getting ready is a hassle.

It's easy for parents, but

is it really okay for a whole day off to end like that?

That might be fine for a corporate slave's day off.

But aren't other children

going out to various places with their families,

and having all sorts of experiences?

I tried consulting with Chappy-sensei.

At first, it doesn't have to be an 'amazing experience'.

There is no need to frequently take them on trips or to theme parks.

For example,

- On a day off, give them only 100 yen and let them choose their own snacks

- At the park, say 'Let's find three stones with strange shapes'

- Take the train for just two stops and walk around a station you've never been to before

- At the supermarket, say, "Choose a snack for today within 300 yen."

- At the library, say, "Whoever finds the weirdest book wins."

- Look for bugs, fish, acorns, etc.

- Cook dinner together as parent and child.

These are also sufficient "experiences."

What is important is not to make the child participate in events prepared by the parent, but to create situations where the child chooses or thinks for themselves.

For a child who won't move when you say, "We're going to the park,"

"Stop watching YouTube. We're going to the park."

is less effective than,

"Dad found a pretty interesting place, do you want to go with me?"

which is easier to get them to join in.

Even stronger is to give them choices.

"Which one should we go to today, the park or the candy store?"

"Bicycle or walking, which one?"

"Should we eat lunch out, or go home and make it?"

Instead of the parent deciding everything, give the child small decision-making power.

That is what is said.

Personally,

using cardboard to make vehicles, food trucks,

or a pretend play set.

Those might be good ideas too.

I think it might be okay to use YouTube to your advantage instead.

Like dinosaur videos

→ Go to a museum.

Like fish videos

→ Go to an aquarium or go fishing.

Like game playthroughs

→ Play games as a parent and child, then do related crafts.

Like cooking videos

→ Buy ingredients at the supermarket and cook.

Like train videos

→ Go see the real thing.

In other words,

YouTube → Discover interests → Experience in the real world

That is the flow.

There is no need to make YouTube a "bad thing".

And, it is okay if they don't enjoy it from the start.

Even though you went to the trouble of taking them,

"I want to go home"

"I want to watch YouTube"

"This is boring"

They might say things like that.

But that doesn't necessarily mean it was a failure.

A child's experience isn't limited to things they say are "the best!" on the spot.

Riding a train.

Walking through an unfamiliar town.

Touching a fish.

Burning the food while cooking.

Laughing at something silly with their father.

Those small events also accumulate.

So every week,

"Do just one thing you've never done before on your day off"

And it's okay to watch YouTube when you get home.

From a "child who only watches YouTube" to a "child who watches YouTube but also experiences many other things."

I think this kind of balance might be okay, too😊