Maks Chmerkovskiy Opens Up About the Importance of Screen Time for His Kids (Exclusive Interview)

Maks Chmerkovskiy, a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, is getting ready to welcome baby No. 3 with his wife Peta Murgatroyd. As they prepare for the new addition to their family, Chmerkovskiy is sharing some of his best parenting tips with Us.

One of his key strategies is managing screen time for his eldest son, Shai. Chmerkovskiy believes that allowing his son to have screen time is important because it gives him the opportunity to engage in activities that promote socialization. He recognizes the importance of balancing structured activities, such as classes and play dates, with free time for his son to unwind and relax at home. By setting boundaries and encouraging his son to earn his screen time, Chmerkovskiy is teaching valuable lessons about responsibility and self-regulation.

Chmerkovskiy and Murgatroyd, who have two sons named Shai, 7, and Rio, 7 months, are also expecting their third child. As Shai has been reaching different milestones compared to his siblings, there are specific rules that currently only apply to him, especially when it comes to screen time.

Chmerkovskiy mentioned that his main condition is for Shai to engage in informative activities and learn something new, which is why he allows Shai to play Minecraft. Initially hesitant, Chmerkovskiy changed his mind after a friend with young kids explained that the game is a great way to introduce coding. This convinced him to let Shai play, as he himself didn't have the same opportunities at 7 years old.

The professional dancer admitted that he was unaware of the advancements in technology. He questioned how he could criticize the use of electronic devices when society is progressing towards virtual reality and flying experiences. He expressed that he cannot restrict his child to traditional activities like planting trees and working in the field.

Chmerkovskiy acknowledged the benefits of allowing his children to use electronic devices. However, he firmly stated that they will not have their own social media accounts.

DWTS Alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy Explains Why It s Important for His Kids to Have Screen Time 148

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"I’m managing that. I’m open to creating an account for him. Our family is the kind where he can really benefit from having one," Chmerkovskiy shared with Us. "Currently, we have accounts set up for Shai and Rio. I want to make it easy for him, so I’m taking care of this now from the beginning."

Chmerkovskiy explained that once his boys are older, he will pass on the accounts to them so they won't have to start from scratch and can continue to build on what's already there.

"I believe there is value in that," he mentioned. "If I make a mistake, it's simple to delete it. Just two clicks and it's gone. What I strongly oppose is him having a phone with all that on it. I know he's intelligent enough to handle a device that we can use in both ways, but it won't include TikTok, that's certain."

For more of Chmerkovskiy’s top parenting advice, check out the video above.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi

Editor's P/S:

Maks Chmerkovskiy's approach to parenting is commendable. His emphasis on balancing structured activities with free time for his children promotes healthy development and well-being. By setting boundaries and encouraging his son to earn screen time, he fosters responsibility and self-regulation. Chmerkovskiy's willingness to embrace technology while setting limits on social media use demonstrates his understanding of the benefits and potential risks associated with digital devices.

Moreover, Chmerkovskiy's decision to create social media accounts for his sons in advance highlights his foresight and consideration for their future. By doing so, he ensures that they will have a positive online presence and can build on their accounts as they grow older. This proactive approach to digital parenting is a valuable lesson for parents navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and social media.-being and his commitment to responsible technology use.