TIPSLIFEHACKS

Olivia Munn, known for her roles in 'Your Friends & Neighbors' and countless other projects, is a devoted mom to her son Malcolm, 3, and daughter Méi, 8 months, with her husband, comedian John Mulaney. Like many parents, Munn is mindful about screen time for her children. In an exclusive interview, she explains why her kids aren't currently tuning into the wildly popular children's educator, Ms. Rachel.

Ms. Rachel, whose YouTube channel has captivated millions of toddlers and their parents, has become a cultural phenomenon. Her gentle teaching style and engaging approach to early childhood education have earned her widespread praise. However, Munn has chosen a different path for her children's entertainment, opting for a more limited exposure to screens in general.

"We don't let them watch Ms. Rachel," Munn shared candidly. "We're really trying to limit screen time as much as possible, especially for Malcolm. He's at an age where he's learning so much through play and interaction, and we want to encourage that as much as we can."

The decision reflects a growing trend among parents who are increasingly concerned about the potential downsides of excessive screen time for young children. Studies have linked too much screen time to developmental delays, attention problems, and sleep disturbances. While Ms. Rachel's content is generally considered educational and age-appropriate, Munn believes that limiting screen time altogether offers even greater benefits.

"Malcolm is really into building things and exploring, and Méi is just starting to grasp things and look around," Munn explained. "We want to foster that curiosity and engagement with the real world, not just the digital one." She added that they prioritize activities like reading, playing with toys, and spending time outdoors.

Munn isn't alone in her approach. Many experts advocate for limiting screen time for young children, recommending that children under 18 months avoid screens altogether (except for video chatting with family members). For children aged 18-24 months, limited, high-quality programming can be introduced with a parent or caregiver present to help them understand what they're seeing. For children aged 2-5, experts suggest limiting screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming.

Ultimately, Munn's decision to forgo Ms. Rachel is a personal one, based on her family's values and priorities. It highlights the ongoing debate about the role of technology in early childhood and the importance of finding a balance between screen time and other enriching experiences. And while her kids might not be singing along to Ms. Rachel’s tunes just yet, they're certainly thriving with plenty of playtime and parental attention.

John Mulaney, Munn’s husband, is a well-known comedian, and the couple often shares glimpses into their family life, further endearing them to their fans. Their commitment to raising their children in a screen-conscious environment is just one example of their thoughtful parenting approach.