Polly and the Screen Time Overload

This book by Betsy Childs Howard is one of the most application based books we own, and you’ll quickly see why. 

The story follows a young girl named Polly, who receives a brand new tablet as a birthday gift from a family member. Polly is thrilled and spends the entire week at her grandparents' farm glued to the screen, missing out on all the fun activities and time with her family.

The turning point in the story comes when Polly's tablet battery dies, forcing her to “unplug” and engage with the world around her. This is when her wise grandfather steps in and has a heartfelt conversation with Polly about how even good and fun things can make us miss out on something even better.

What struck me most about this book is how relatable it is to our modern-day struggles with technology and screen time. It's so easy for our little ones to become consumed by the endless entertainment and stimulation that digital devices provide. As a parent, I've certainly experienced the challenge of trying to find the right balance.

The book is based on a Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 10:23, which reminds us that "all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful." This is such an important lesson for our children to learn and Betsy Childs Howard explains it so well. 

In the back of the book, the author provides some helpful tips for parents on how to avoid screen time overload. These include setting clear boundaries, encouraging outdoor play and other activities, and finding ways to connect as a family without relying on digital devices.

As I read through this book with my kids, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It's reassuring to know that we're not alone in this struggle, and that there are resources available to help guide us.