‘I don’t limit my kids’ screen time - they can use their devices as much as they like’

Laura and her daughters
-Credit:SWNS


A mum has revealed that she doesn't set a screen time limit for her kids, instead giving them the "independence to choose". Laura Melling, 35, allows her daughters, aged six and seven, to decide how long they spend on their iPads.

The only rule is that the devices stay downstairs when it's bedtime. Laura and her husband Paul, a 36 year old joiner, estimate that the girls split their free time evenly between screens and play or outdoor activities.

The Lancashire mum-of-two believes there are benefits to screen time, noting that her daughters often watch educational YouTube videos. Laura said: "It's right for the kids to choose. If they want to play they can. If they want to go on iPads they can. They have the independence to choose."

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Laura's daughter playing
Laura wants her kids to have independence -Credit:SWNS

Despite the lack of restrictions, Laura insists the family often spends time outdoors with their caravan, ensuring a balance between screen time and outdoor activities. She said: "They get a balance."

However, Sundays are typically "chill days", where the kids can stay in pyjamas and use screens all day if they wish. She said: "Sunday is mainly a chill day. If they wake up early they can go and get their iPad."

The children also do their homework on iPads and independently watch educational videos. Laura added: "Sometimes they come out with a random fact from something they've watched. My youngest told me what oobleck is the other day - which can behave like a solid or a liquid. My seven year old taught me that."

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Laura also doesn't believe in forcing her kids to clear their plates, allows them to grab a snack from the drawer even if they don't finish their meal. She's also okay with them having an unhealthy nibble in the morning, provided they've eaten breakfast first.

Laura, Paul and the kids in Lapland
Laura and Paul took their girls to Lapland -Credit:SWNS

She explained: "It creates an unhealthy obsession with food. I know sometimes I don't want to finish what's on my plate but I want something else. I don't look at the time and go 'it's only 10am, so you can't have a biscuit'. The snack cupboard is there."

If her daughters need to talk, Laura is ready to drop everything for a private chat, understanding the emotional needs of her seven year old. She said: "If she wants to tell me something she can ask to have a private chat. I'll drop anything - even if I'm in the middle of cooking dinner. It means she's not hiding it from me."

Furthermore, Laura and her partner Paul prioritise creating memories for their children, even if it means going into debt. She said: "Everyone is always in debt. The kids are only young once."

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They recently splurged on a trip to Lapland, charging some of it to their credit card to capture the magic of Santa before their eldest grows too sceptical. Laura doesn't label her parenting approach but aims to be "fair" in her methods.

She remarked: "I don't like to have a management style - parents that do are so strict that the kids can't breathe." Laura, who regularly voices her opinions on TikTok under the handle @lauramell17_ugc_creator, acknowledges she faces criticism for her parenting approach. She defended herself by saying: "They are my kids. I can parent them how I want."

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