Redefining Screen Time
Technology. It can be the greatest gift or the biggest headache depending on the day, the hour, or even the minute. Like every other modern family, we’re navigating the balance of screen time and sanity, and it’s not always smooth sailing. But we’ve found a few rhythms that work for us—and when they work, they really work.
Let me start by saying this: I’m not anti-screen. I’m not setting timers on everything or banning iPads on weekends. What I am trying to do is be intentional about what screens mean in our house. They can be tools for connection, learning, and creativity—not just entertainment. And that shift in perspective has helped a lot.
Making Interactive Choices
(I am not comfortable saying my kids were passively watching youtube and not feeling great. I made choices when my first born was just a toddler and interested in watching things, I contemplated feedback from more experienced mothers, and even the american academy of pediatricians had recommendations on what age and for how long which went into my approach around edu-tainment … learning that feels like fun and limiting the amount for hands on play and imagination) …
It all started when I noticed how much time the kids were spending passively watching YouTube or scrolling through games that didn’t really engage them. It wasn’t making them feel great, and it wasn’t making me feel like the best parent, either. So, we decided to pivot. We started with some structure but also looked for ways to make screen time feel more interactive and worthwhile.
Rediscovering Classic Fun
One of our biggest wins has been board games. Yes, old-fashioned board games—with a twist. The kids love Scrabble, Quirkle, Headbandz, and charades, and it’s become our favorite way to spend an evening at home.. The beauty is that everyone plays, from my six-year-old daughter Maya to us adults. It’s screen-free but still gives us that “play” energy that screens often provide.
Embracing Educational Apps
When it comes to actual screens, we’ve found a few apps and platforms that are worth their weight in gold. Duolingo has been a family favorite. Leo wanted to learn two languages this year, so we got the family plan. Now we all play along. It feels more like a game than a chore, and the kids love checking their streaks and competing in the friend leaderboard.
Another go-to is IXL. It’s a learning app that feels interactive but is also super educational. We usually save this for after school when the kids are decompressing but not quite ready to dive into something physical or social.
Movement Through Media
Speaking of decompressing, the Nintendo Switch has actually become a positive outlet—especially with games like “Just Dance” that get everyone moving. It’s fun, active, and surprisingly hilarious. And if you don’t have a Switch, a lot of these dance routines are free on YouTube, which is a great workaround.
Learning Beyond the Screen
During long weekends or snow days, we’ve dabbled in spontaneous online classes through Outschool.com. It gives the kids a chance to connect with other kids from different places and learn something random—like drawing anime or beginner Spanish. It’s a nice change of pace that breaks up the monotony of being stuck indoors.
Bringing the Kitchen Into Play
Baking has become a thing in our house. A big thing. It’s not screen-based at all, but often inspired by something we saw online. One Sunday we saw a TikTok of a chocolate lava cake, and by that afternoon, we were covered in flour and cocoa powder and proudly eating our (slightly sunken) creations. It’s messy, but it’s memory-making.
Staying Connected With Family
FaceTiming with family has also played a huge role in how we use screens more meaningfully. Our extended family is spread out across different states, and regular video chats have become part of our routine. The kids read books to their grandparents, show off art projects, or just talk about their day. It’s a simple way to keep relationships strong and make the most of the tech we already have.
Creative Time That Sticks
Crafting has also made a big comeback. I never expected finger knitting to become a household obsession, but here we are. Maya is particularly into it. But it’s not just the knitting—it’s the joy of creating something out of practically nothing. We’ve embraced low-maintenance arts and crafts with whatever we have lying around. Add in kinetic sand, which is endlessly reusable and oddly soothing, and suddenly we’ve got quiet time that doesn’t involve any screens at all.
Finding What Works
The truth is, no two days look the same. Some afternoons are full of music and laughter and perfect screen-life balance. Others are a chaotic jumble of homework battles and negotiations over how many episodes are “reasonable.” But we’re learning as we go. We try to stay flexible while keeping a loose framework in place—some boundaries, lots of options, and plenty of grace.
Letting Kids Lead the Way
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that kids don’t need to be entertained every minute. They need to feel seen, challenged, and free to explore their interests—whether that’s through a Switch game, a baking session, or finger knitting in the corner of the living room. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection.
Screens are here to stay, and I’m okay with that. In our family, they’re not the enemy. They’re a part of the rhythm, and when used thoughtfully, they can actually bring us closer together. It’s all about balance, intention, and knowing when it’s time to turn the devices off and break out the Quirkle board. Because sometimes, the best kind of play has nothing to do with a screen at all.