Discerning Parenting
Are there days you feel you’ve had it with the sleepless nights, the temper tantrums, the constant fatigue of trying to keep up with an active baby?
Does it feel like you’re always working so hard as a parent, trying to do everything for your kids and family, and yet it never feels enough?
We get it. You love your child more than anything, and yet parenting is also exhausting and challenging. Especially when you’re bombarded with criticism and pressure to be the perfect parent (which, spoiler alert, does not exist!).
But what if you had experts who understand exactly what you’re going through help you navigate the everyday challenges of parenting your baby, toddler, or preschooler? What if they help you use scientific research to your advantage, so you become the calmer, happier, and more empowered parent you’ve always wanted to be?
That's why we created "Discerning Parenting," the podcast that helps you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters in your parenting journey.
Join Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, positive parenting coach, author, speaker, and mom, as she and our guest experts tackle your most pressing parenting concerns.
From toddler discipline to helping kids learn to talk or to read, from starting solids and potty training to promoting social and emotional development, this podcast is jam-packed with valuable insights and practical tips specifically tailored for parents of kids age 5 and below. So join us and discover how you can use the combined power of science, knowing your child, and your own intuition in making the best parenting decisions for you and your family.
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Discerning Parenting
096 - How Much is Too Much? Signs of Screen Time Overuse in Kids
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Are you worried about your child’s screen time? How much is too much?
In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by addiction medicine specialist and pediatrician Dr. Paul Filomeno, founder of Healthy Screens PH. Dr. Paul brings both his expertise and personal experience as a dad to help us understand when screen time becomes problematic and how to create a healthy media balance for our kids.
We dive deep into:
- The warning signs that screen time may be too much
- Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy screen use
- Age-appropriate guidelines for screen time (and making them work in real life!)
- Choose high-quality content for your child
If you've ever felt guilty about screen time or struggled to set limits, this episode is for you. Discover how to take small, realistic steps to create a balanced media plan for your family without power struggles or guilt.
Resources Mentioned:
📖 Check out our books for more guidance: discerningparenting.com/books
📩 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.
Connect with Us:
🌟 Follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast for more expert insights on parenting in the digital age!
💬 Share this episode with your family and friends—let’s navigate screen time together!
About Dr. Paul:
As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.
Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno
Viber/SMS/Telegram: +63 949 4385188
Clinics:
St. Claire Medical Center (Makati)
Kindred Health PH (Taft)
San Juan de Dios Medical Center
🔗 Related Episodes:
- Effects of Screen Time; Understanding Screen Time Addiction - with Dr. Paul Filomeno
- Effects of Screen Time on Language and Development of Toddlers and Young Kids - with Dr. Angel Dy
⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.
🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!
The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.
Host: Should I worry about my child's screen time? How much is too much?
Welcome to Discerning Parenting, the podcast for parents of kids aged 12 and under who have learned that a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting doesn’t always work. Together, we'll explore intentional strategies rooted in research on child development, brain science, and neurodiversity—made practical for you.
I’m Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician and Positive Parenting Coach. My mission is to help you release parenting guilt and focus on what truly works for you and your child.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Filomeno, an addiction medicine specialist, pediatrician, and founder of Healthy Screens PH. He’s here not just as an expert but also as a dad to help us navigate the challenges of screen time.
Recognizing Problematic Screen Use
Host: Dr. Paul, what are the signs that a child's screen time is becoming problematic?
Dr. Paul: As an addiction specialist, I look for clear red flags. One of the biggest signs is when a child becomes irritable or upset when asked to stop using a screen. This can sometimes be a withdrawal-like response.
Other warning signs include:
- Loss of interest in non-screen activities, like playing outside, reading, or spending time with family.
- Neglecting basic tasks, such as eating, hygiene, or sleep.
- Behavioral changes, including increased aggression or difficulty focusing.
- Sleep disturbances, which can affect daily routines and family interactions.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics also links excessive screen time to developmental delays, particularly in language and social skills.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Screen Use
Host: How do we define healthy versus unhealthy screen use?
Dr. Paul: We need to look at the child as a whole. Instead of focusing on a single event, observe patterns over a week. Consider factors like:
- Have their eating patterns changed?
- Are they struggling with sleep?
- How do they respond when you set limits?
If these functions are consistently disrupted, it may indicate an unhealthy relationship with screens.
That said, screen time isn’t inherently bad. Some children regulate their usage well and use screens for school, learning, or communication. As a parent, you’ll need to assess whether your child has control over their screen habits or if screen time is controlling them.
Age-Appropriate Screen Guidelines
Host: What are your recommendations for age-appropriate screen time?
Dr. Paul: The American Academy of Pediatrics provides general guidelines:
- Under 18 months: Avoid screens except for video calls.
- 18 months - 2 years: If used, ensure it’s high-quality content and watch together.
- 2-5 years: No more than one hour per day of educational programming.
The real challenge is implementing these recommendations in real life. Instead of strict rules, consider:
- Setting screen-free zones in the house.
- Creating a family media use plan.
- Modeling balanced screen use as parents.
- Taking small steps rather than enforcing drastic changes overnight.
Parental Modeling and Family Approach
Host: This has to be a team effort, right? If both parents aren’t on the same page, it can be challenging.
Dr. Paul: Absolutely! In a two-parent household, both need to be aligned. If other caregivers (like grandparents) are involved, they should also be on board.
At home, my wife and I take turns. If one of us needs to be on a screen, the other engages with our child. This ensures that our child isn’t constantly seeing us absorbed in screens.
It’s not about banning screens entirely—it’s about moderation and intentional use.
Choosing High-Quality Content
Host: You mentioned high-quality content. How do parents determine what’s actually beneficial for kids?
Dr. Paul: It’s tricky, especially with so much content available. Here’s what to look for:
- Content that encourages interaction (e.g., asking questions, prompting responses).
- Minimal overstimulation—avoid excessive flashing lights, rapid frame changes, and loud sounds.
- Slower-paced programs that allow kids to process what they’re seeing.
For example, if a program teaches the alphabet, it should focus on clarity and engagement rather than overwhelming special effects.
Final Thoughts
Host: This is such an important topic. Any final words of advice?
Dr. Paul: You’re not alone. Navigating parenting in the digital age is tough, but support is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or join parenting communities where you can share experiences.
Host: Thank you so much, Dr. Paul! If you’d like more resources on parenting in the digital world, visit discerningparenting.com/digital-parenting.
Don’t forget to follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast—we have more insightful conversations coming up!
Resources Mentioned:
📖 Check out our books for more guidance: discerningparenting.com/books
📩 Sign up for our digital parenting resources: discerningparenting.com/digital-parenting
Connect with Us:
🌟 Follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast for more expert insights on parenting in the digital age!
💬 Share this episode with your family and friends—let’s navigate screen time together!