A key issue they face is managing Prince George's growing interest in video games, a common hobby for boys his age. Catherine struggles with how to keep George engaged in gaming while also ensuring he engages in outdoor activities and self-development. To achieve a more balanced lifestyle, she imposes strict limits on his screen time. Both William and Catherine encourage outdoor activities and imaginative play rather than relying on screens for entertainment. Their passion for sports was passed on to their children, who were introduced to a variety of sports such as tennis, rugby and football from a young age.
These physical activities not only kept them fit but also taught them important life skills such as teamwork and discipline. However, as George grew older, his interests shifted to gaming, creating a challenge for William and Catherine. They wanted to manage his screen time while continuing to encourage outdoor activities. In 2022, during a visit to BAFTA, William acknowledged their efforts to manage George’s gaming by closely monitoring his screen time.
This statement highlighted the difficulty they faced in balancing their children’s interests with necessary boundaries. While video games can promote problem solving and strategic thinking, excessive gaming can lead to decreased physical activity and sleep disturbances. Catherine was concerned about these drawbacks and recognized the need for boundaries to protect George’s overall well-being. The decision to limit his screen time was not an easy one; like many parents, she weighed the pros and cons of gaming.
While George’s love of technology comes naturally, Catherine believes it is essential to create a structured environment that encourages outdoor play and face-to-face interaction. This decision is more than just limiting screen time; it emphasizes teaching her child the importance of balance in a technology-dominated world. Understanding that children can easily become overly dependent on screens for entertainment, Catherine enforces strict rules regarding George’s video games. Her approach reflects a broader philosophy that children should engage with their environment, explore nature, and develop social-emotional skills.
Sometimes this means having challenging discussions with George about why the decision to limit his screen time is necessary. For a boy who is passionate about video games, this may be unsatisfying, but Catherine wants him to understand the value of moderation. By setting these limits early, she wants to help him learn to self-regulate as he gets older. Despite these barriers, Catherine’s decision has had a positive impact on George’s development. Limiting his screen time opens up more opportunities for physical activity, creative exploration, and quality family moments, fostering a healthy lifestyle and stronger sibling relationships.
In addition to managing screen time, Catherine and William have introduced their children to a variety of adventurous activities. One example is scuba diving, which they introduced to George when he was 10 years old and which he has loved. His passion for scuba diving has allowed him to explore the underwater world and foster a deeper appreciation for nature. The experience has also instilled in him a sense of adventure that Catherine and William both value. By encouraging activities like scuba diving, Catherine hopes to spark George’s curiosity and wonder about the world, believing that such hands-on experiences are important for developing confidence, resilience and independence.
