
My pediatrician recommends my kids get at least an hour of playtime each day and plenty of time outdoors, too. How important are these recommendations when there are so many other demands on our time, too?
Dr. Nathan Chomilo
Dr. Nathan Chomilo is a respected Twin Cities pediatrician and internist. He is an outspoken equity advocate whose work has included championing the impact early childhood intervention and healthcare access have on the long-term prospects of children and how physicians and health systems can address racial and health equity. He is also the medical director for the State of Minnesota Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Minority Health, Equity and Inclusion’s Executive Committee and serves on the board of directors of Reach Out and Read MN and Reach Out and Read National.

It might help to focus on the activities that monopolize their time and try to rebalance those with playtime and outdoor time. If your kids are struggling to spend time outdoors but have no problem spending time playing video games, set an expectation that for every 15 minutes on a screen, they’ll spend 30 minutes outside (or on another screen-free activity). Clear expectations that reflect your priorities as a parent can help kids think about and balance their competing desires.
We’ve all had those moments when we wished parenting came with a handy guidebook. Here’s the next best thing: Real questions posed by parents and caregivers answered by top experts in child health and development.
Have a question you’d like answered by an expert?
Ask an Expert
Ask an Expert
How much do I need to engage with my kid’s favorite video games?
Sometimes I think I should learn to play the video games my kids love, like Minecraft, Pokemon, or games on Roblox, so that I can play the games with them. The problem is that I really don’t like those games. Should I try harder?Erin Walsh Erin is a Minneapolis-based...
How can I support my child’s developing social skills?
My two-year-old is about to move to a room with older kids at her daycare. How can I support her developing social skills? And what should I watch for to make sure she's thriving socially?Katy Smith Katy is a parent educator and early childhood teacher. She has spent...
How can I teach my child to choose online games that are appropriate for his age?
With so many mindless video games available online, how can I teach my 2nd grader to choose games that are appropriate for his age and abilities, without me having to look over his shoulder and constantly monitor?Erin Walsh Erin is a Minneapolis-based parent, speaker,...
How can I talk openly about identity issues with my kids?
My kids are so much more comfortable talking openly about identity issues than I was at their age. How can I lead these conversations when my kids almost seem more like the experts?Dr. Nathan Chomilo Dr. Nathan Chomilo is a respected Twin Cities pediatrician and...
How do we encourage a love of reading?
We love reading with our kids and read together with them whenever we can. But is there more we can be doing to encourage a love of reading as our kids grow?Dr. Nathan Chomilo Dr. Nathan Chomilo is a respected Twin Cities pediatrician and internist. He is an outspoken...
How do we avoid meltdowns when turning off screens?
My kids (ages 3 and 10) often have complete meltdowns when I ask them to turn off their screens. What are your tips for a calmer transition away from devices?Erin Walsh Erin is a Minneapolis-based parent, speaker, educator, and writer. She is also the co-founder (with...
What tips do you have for raising racially conscious children?
With so much focus lately on racial injustice, how can I help my kids be part of the solution? How can I put them in position to build a better future? Dianne Haulcy Dianne is a longtime advocate and educator of young children. She is president and CEO of The Family...
I need to recharge. How do I get my kids to play independently?
As a single parent, I struggle to find alone time. I love my kids, but when we're home, they demand my constant attention (or a screen). What are your tips/strategies for helping kids find ways to play without me participating or needing to spend time setting up some...