Today, we are discussing a very important subject: screen time and our children. How much is too much? What can they do instead? and How can we as parents help?



I discuss the subject of screen time in Connoisseur Kids and even give a list of 50 activities children can do that don't involve screens. In today's video, I give many more ideas and also discuss my philosophy regarding screen time.

Here is an interesting article I found from WebMD on the subject of screen time.

The following is an excerpt from the article:

Can Too Much Screen Time Hinder Child Development?

Young children spend a lot of time fiddling with smartphones, tapping away at tablets and staring at TV screens.

Could this time be taking away from their early physical and mental development?

A new study argues that's precisely the case -- screen time can affect how well children perform on developmental tests.

"Kids who are being put in front of screens are showing delayed development," said lead researcher Sheri Madigan. She is research chair of child development with the University of Calgary's department of psychology, in Canada.

Watching TV, using a computer, playing video games, and goofing around with tablets or smartphones were among the types of screen time reported.

"We found that, on average, children are viewing screens somewhere between two and three hours per day," Madigan said. "This exceeds the recommended guidelines of no more than one hour of high-quality programming for kids between the ages of 2 and 5" set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).


As you can see, even doctors agree that limiting screen time is necessary for raising well-rounded children.

I firmly believe that leading by example is the most important aspect here. We as parents need to not be attached to our own screens. There should be an atmosphere in the home that does not revolve around the television and constant entertainment.

An emphasis on enjoying books and a love of learning are also critically important. I do hope you watch today's video to hear my expanded thoughts on this important subject.

Featured in the video:

Lightbox photography kids' class by Elizabeth Ensor

My dress is by Velvet and my earrings are Ana Luisa Jewelry
Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off

News
📍Thank you for your wonderful support of CONNOISSEUR KIDS. If you enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review for it online. I greatly appreciate your support.

📍Thank you to everyone who watched my interview on Get Organized HQ the online conference where dozens of women have gotten together to share their knowledge and their stories to help you get your home and life on track. The interviews are still accessible through the All-Access pass.

📍Check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.


On Instagram
If you would like your Instagram featured on The Daily Connoisseur, share a photo of your book on social media using the hashtag #ConnoisseurKids Here is today's selection.

View this post on Instagram

I think that most of the issues that plagues us in today's society are related to anger and resentment to the "other". One way to fix that is by treating each other with dignity and respect and that's where manners and etiquette come in. Manners and etiquette empower kids and reduce anxiety because it teaches kids what to do and say in every situation. I was using the Carreño manual but is a bit outdated (written in 1865) and then my favorite YouTuber @dailyconnoisseur came out with her own book. I got it 2 days ago and I got to say is a great and fun to read manners book. Teaches the kids how to be the best person they can be: how's to talk, maintain eye contact, table manners, tidiness and more. Get it on Amazon here Connoisseur Kids: Etiquette, Manners, and Living Well for Parents and Their Little Ones (Etiquette for Children, Manner Books for Kids, Parenting Books, Books on Elegance) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1452173478/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CoLEDbAT4K0TE #ettiquette #mannersmatter #connossieur #connoisseurkids #healthykids

A post shared by http://www.marifersworld.com/ (@marifersway) on Sep 12, 2019 at 7:18am PDT

Comment of the Week
Katy T. writes, "Hi Jennifer! You really have hit the nail on the head. I wish everyone knew how important manners and etiquette are! Please keep spreading this message. My husband and I value this message as well and are teaching our children to be respectful, confident compassionate citizens. I can’t wait to read the book! Thank you! ❤️"


Thank you, Katy! I am enjoying the discussions that the book are bringing to light. Thank you for watching!

I would love to know your thoughts on children and screen time. What are the rules in your house? How do you handle this subject? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.



Visit my newly designed Author Website

*NEW* Shop my Amazon page for a comprehensive list of my favorite things and mentions on the blog.

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Take my affordable eCourses on the ten-item wardrobe, debt-free living, and efficiency at home

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

FTC: This post is not sponsored. Links may be affiliate.

We have all seen them. They are everywhere. You can't escape them. People staring at their smartphones like zombies. In restaurants, walking the dog, in the middle of a movie, while driving, waiting in line, in class, outside of class, during the ballet, during intermission, at the coffee shop, while watching TV, while out with their kids, at the park, at the school, during meetings. This new dependence on the screen is changing the way we live and not necessarily for the better. The addiction to the screen and its use as a crutch in social situations brings people further away from poise.
- excerpt from Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic

In today's discussion we are broaching the topic of smartphone etiquette and screen addiction. I'm sure you've noticed over the past few years that people seem to depend more and more on their smartphone to get through the day. What ever did we do before they were invented? I, myself, struggle with an addiction to checking my phone and often have to remind myself to not become one of those screen zombies.

In this week's video a wide range of topics is discussed: everything from Patti LuPone taking a cellphone out of an audience member's hand during her broadway show, to screens in restaurants, to that burning desire we can't seem to shake to look at our phone when met with a moment of downtime. This discussion is wide and varied. Be sure not to miss it!

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News
The Polish edition of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic, Szkoła wdzięku Madame Chic, will be released on July 7th from Wydawnictwo Literackie.



Check out the wonderful video review of all three Madame Chic books from YouTuber, Tina Bietler, in her video titled, Books that Will Change Your Life.

Comment of the Week
Ania writes:
I just wanted to let you know how your books and blog inspired me to change my life. I have been following you for around two years and I have always thought "She is totally right, looking presentable always is a good thing to do" but I never followed this principle. I was like: "yeah, that's a great idea but not for me, too much fuss". But then something just snapped in me, without any particular trigger and I thought that maybe I should try to follow your lifestyle advice. One day, instead of staying all day in my work out clothes, I made a make up and dressed nicely (it wasn't difficult for me as I had narrowed down my wardrobe to capsule version earlier thanks to your books). And you know what - it was liberating. Since then I've been doing this every day and not only this. I also keep my home clean on every day basis, eat proper meals with my family etc. It's such a life-changer! I bet there are more readers like I used to be - thinking your ideas are perfect but not following them. I really advise everyone to give it a try like for a week or so.

Dear Ania, Thank you for sharing your story! Many people think the Madame Chic advice is good, but not for them. I love how you encourage other women to try it out. What is the worst thing that can happen? You will discover things about yourself you never knew before.

Question of the Week
Every week I receive at least one question asking about the music in my YouTube videos. The music is listed in the info box below the video. Because of YouTube rules and regulations, I am required to use copyright-free, royalty-free music.



This week, I would love to know... what do you have to say about this week's cellphone etiquette and screen addiction discussion? Do you have any stories or insights to share with us? How do you handle it in your family? Leave a comment below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog. See you soon!



Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter

We are kicking off the Life at Home series on The Daily Connoisseur this week with this first installment: Cut the Distractions. Living well at home is very important. It's important because how you live at home behind closed doors when no one is looking is indicative of your true self and your true values.

We strive to make changes to our life in the areas of style, makeup, wardrobe, clutter, being in the present moment, presenting ourselves well, etc. and if we are serious about making these changes, we need to get serious about implementing them at home.

In At Home With Madame Chic we discuss how a happy home life sets you up for success in the outside world. Order is needed at home. Organization is needed at home. Beauty is needed at home. Dignity is needed at home. The arts are needed at home. Style is needed at home. But are we able to live well at home if we find ourselves constantly distracted? In our minds we know what we should be doing but when we will actually get around to doing that? We're not sure. Right now we're surfing the internet, or binge-watching a reality TV show, or deep into reading Facebook posts.

You'd like to cook that healthy meal. You'd like to get some patio gardening done. You'd like to write that letter. You'd like to practice the piano. You'd like to organize your lingerie drawer. You'd like to read that historical biography. You'd like to write in your journal. You'd like to tidy up the kitchen and you will... just after you spend an hour perusing the online shops.

Sound familiar?

It certainly does to me! Screens- whether television, smartphone or laptop can be a major distraction and if we want to live well at home, we need to cut the distraction. This doesn't mean cutting these things out entirely. But it does mean getting strict about how much time you devote to them.

Check out this week's video for the rest of my thoughts on this subject. If you cannot see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I'd love for you to join in on this discussion. What are your distractions at home? How could you be spending your time instead? On social media use the hashtags #LifeAtHome #MADAMECHIC

News
I will be part of a live red carpet commentary for The Critic's Choice awards this Thursday, January 15th from 4pm to 6pm on MakerTV. You can watch the entire viewing party here or visit http://www.maker.tv/live/criticschoice

Ruby's Musings just adores Madame Chic for French Girl Friday

MoonFireGypsyWagon muses on At Home With Madame Chic in her latest blogpost.


Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
If you have extra time this week, don't spend it on the internet (even if that means shutting down this blog right now!), but try something that enriches your soul: play the piano, write a poem, get some gardening done, make a cake, write a letter, arrange some flowers. Feel invigorated by your freedom from the screen.


Testimonial

Patricia W. from Connecticut writes:

Jennifer, I've been following your blog for a while now and love it. Love your videos. And yes, I'm adhering to your 10-item capsule wardrobe. It's so much easier and stylish with regard to ease of deciding what to wear. Almost everything in my closet works with everything else so no problem. My closet is now a streamlined and pretty personal space...one I'm happy to show to my girlfriends as an inspiration. The best news is Lessons from Madame Chic inspired me to put my best self forward even if I'm just doing errands or going to the supermarket. I feel so much better knowing I look presentable and need never again feel embarrassed upon meeting an acquaintance or neighbor while out and about.

One of the very best compliments I've received as a result was from the mother of a good friend, Whenever I see you, Patricia, you always look so...so...clean and shiny.

I was drawn into your video blogs not only by their content, but also, almost immediately, by the fact that I'd find myself smiling whenever I heard your intro, ... Jennifer here.

Patricia W

Thank you Patricia. You have been a long-time reader and supporter of my blog. I appreciate your testimonial!

See you next week!


Visit my Author Website

Facebook facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

Twitter @JL_Scott

Instagram @dailyconnoisseur

Sign up for my Seasonal Author Newsletter