Everyone is telling you that you need to reduce screen time for your kids but no one is telling you HOW so that’s what I’d like to help you with today! I have included 7 easy tips to reduce screen time for your kids, without creating more work for yourself.

Here are 7 tips to get screen-time under control with your kids from someone who has been screen-free with their toddler for over a year now (so I totally know how hard it can be): 

• Prioritize PLAY by reducing toy clutter, having age appropriate toys available and trying out a toy rotation system to see if it optimizes play for your child. 
  
• Set a DESIGNATED TIME for screens and stick to it: instead of resorting to screen multiple times throughout the day, pick a time that works for your family and allow it then if you’re not ready to drop screens completely yet.
  
• Make screen-time MEANINGFUL: If your child is younger than 3, I would strongly recommend co-viewing when using screens to make that experience more meaningful and educational. This can be as simple as talking to them about what they’re seeing on screen during or after. =
  
• Choose LOW-STIMULATING shows:  When you choose low-stimulating shows, you’re choosing quality screen-time. You’re giving your kid a chance to understand what’s going on, follow the storyline and learn from it. A few of my favorite low stimulating shows are: Guess How Much I Love You, Puffin Rock, Trash Truck, The Snowy Day and Frog and Toad.

• Don’t use screens to DISTRACT: This is something that’s a non-negotiable in our house. We will not use screens to end a meltdown. In my opinion, this is no different than emotional eating where we resort to food to deal with our emotions. I want to raise a child who doesn’t have to stuff down the hard emotions or who cannot sit comfortably with the negative feelings.
  
• Always bring screen-free ACTIVITIES when you go out: This will help you stay prepared in case you need an activity for your child, for example, when dining out. It doesn’t mean you have to pull it out as soon as you sit down to eat. Give your kid a chance to occupy themselves, and if needed, you can offer the activity.
  
• Find ways to RESET without screens: I get it, parenting is hard and can feel like a lot in some moments. Save some activities for when you feel overwhelmed. And don’t underestimate the outdoors. Getting some fresh air and movement can improve everyone’s mood and might even turn around your day.

I hope you find these tips helpful and you can start applying them today. It’s important to remember that resistance is common when you’re making changes and being consistent is required to ensuring changes stick.

I share tips everyday on my Instagram on how to reduce screen time for your kids, including screen time alternatives to make parenting less exhausting for you so be sure to follow along.