Deciding to reduce screen time can be tricky, especially when it’s convenient and “normal”. What do we do instead? See how we got our toddler screen time to almost zero.
We’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes this year. At the start of the year, instead of making “new years resolutions”, I opted for a new years intention word instead. One word to set the tone for my entire year. Realignment. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, personally, as a family, and in our home.
One of the most powerful lifestyle changes we have made (and I’ve never looked back!) is selling our tv. I just didn’t like where we were at.
After the birth of baby sister, P would ask to watch TV anytime I sat down on the couch. What had started as a way to distract him while I breastfed the new baby became a habit that I really didn’t like. I didn’t like that he asked for screens every time we sat in the living room.
With a few other factors that made it practical, we decided to reduce our screen time and attachment to the TV by getting rid of it. It has been an amazing lifestyle change.
Occasionally P will ask to watch a movie. And we allow that, knowing it’s just an occasional “special event”. We have a projector that we put up for “family movie nights”. Suddenly watching movies is more than a distraction or background noise, but a special family event.
If you aren’t quite ready to throw out the TV, consider at least moving it out of the main gathering space. You might be surprised with what your kids (and you) come up with to keep yourselves busy!
Why do kids “need” screen time”
I love the idea that every “bad” habit is offering us something good. We don’t develop habits for no reason, so ask yourself what screen time is offering your child. Is it companionship? Stimulation? Exploration? Education? Once you know what screen time means to you or your children, it might be easier to know what to replace screen time with.
Here are some of the things we do that help us to reduce screen time:
Outdoor play. We do this almost all day right now, when the weather is warm. When P is bouncing off the walls, instead of putting him behind a screen we “take the walls down”. Outside play is often times just what he needs. Free, unrestrained outdoor play. Space to climb, get dirty, and explore (whether in the woods or in our own backyard space).
Involvement with chores. I find that many times when P is acting out (when it would be easy to do screen time) it is because he wants to be involved with me. Involving him in simple, toddler friendly tasks helps him feel needed and purposefully. He likes to wash windows (with water and a towel), clean up to the “cleanup song”, wash dishes (helps me rinse and dry dishes), hang up laundry (baby girl helps here too, pulling everything out and throwing it on the floor, then P helps me hang to dry), mopping, sweeping, etc. We don’t really use play cleaning supplies. I do my best to offer involvement. If he’s busy and occupied elsewhere I won’t press, but oftentimes he is eager to be included in whatever I do.
Physical activity. Get kids moving. If you’re trying to reduce screen time but the house is too quiet, turn on some music or make some of your own. Dance parties are a great way to get moving. When I need a little help entertaining the little ones while cooking, we turn up the music and jam out in the kitchen.
Cooking. Instead of giving P “something to do” while I prepare meals or bake, I love trying to involve him in the process. It is always imperfect. Always misshapen rolls or cookies. But I have to come to love his help in the kitchen and seeing him learn to cook. I love the determination on his face as he stirs the batter or the satisfaction after he spreads his own peanut butter. Toddler involvement in the kitchen has been a beautiful discovery.
Imaginative play. P loves acting out the stories he hears about in stories and movies he has seen. I noticed him acting out books the WEEK AFTER we got rid of our TV. Maybe it was coincidence, maybe not, but I was amazed by how he started to imagine the stories instead of only wanting to watch them. Some of our favorites are “going on a bear hunt” and “the little blue truck“
Together time. Kids need connection. It’s easy to get caught up in the speed of the rest of the world and getting my checklist done. But slowing down and taking the time to read a story, play together, or involve the kids in what I’m doing seems to replace their need for screen time.
Sensory bins, arts and crafts, etc. Giving the little ones things to do with their hands (and allowing them to find things themselves) is important stimulation that they need in development. We have a sand-filled construction sensory bin. It makes a mess, but the mess is worth the joy and creative experience (he’s doing this as I write!). Painting supplies, markers, crayons, paper, natural materials (sticks, rocks, leaves, pine cones), glue, scissors (if ready), all give way to the creative process. We love giving access to all these things.
Get off my phone. Sometimes getting my kids in a better mood is needed because I have been on my own screen. Put away the technology and this will help you all to leave it behind.
I hope sharing our experience and ideas helps inspire you to reduce screen time for your family. I am so happy with this lifestyle change.
What do you do instead of screen time? What have you found to help keep your kids entertained? I would love to hear in the comments below!
