When people hear that our three boys (10, 8, and 6) don’t have access to YouTube, online gaming, tablets, or unrestricted internet and minimal screen time the response is usually:
“But how do you manage that?! Don’t they get bored? What do they do instead?”
The truth? This approach just works for us. It’s not about being extreme or thinking screens are bad—it’s about choosing what fits our family dynamic, our values, and our parenting style.
And honestly? We’ve never looked back.
Why This Works for OUR Family
Every family is different. This isn’t about saying everyone should do it this way—this is simply why we have found a screen-light lifestyle to be the right fit for us.
1. Minimizing Screen Time Aligns with How We Want to Raise Our Kids
Our goal as parents is to raise creative, independent, and engaged children. We want them to experience childhood the way we remember it—filled with real play, real conversations, and real-world experiences.
Without screens as a constant option, we find our boys:
- Use their imagination to create their own fun
- Get lost in books and games instead of endless scrolling
- Play outside, build forts, and constructing things
By limiting screens, we’re trying to encourage connection over consumption, curiosity over convenience, and creativity over passive entertainment—and that just feels right for our family.
2. We Still Enjoy TV—With Boundaries
This isn’t a no screen household. Our boys love watching TV, and we do, too! But we make a really big effort to keep it structured and intentional:
- Weekday TV only after 6 PM – to wind down after a busy day
- Weekend morning TV – so they can relax while we wake up slowly
- Family movie nights – I love the ceremony of treats, getting cosy and all chilling together.
TV is something we enjoy, but it’s not something they turn to out of habit or boredom. By keeping it in its place, it doesn’t take over their day—it stays a fun, relaxing treat rather than a default activity. My Mom would have had similar boundaries for me as a kid growing up, and as an adult I can see that was really good for me as a kid.
3. It Reduces Overstimulation & Improves Behaviour
Over time we’ve noticed that generally our boys are:
- Calmer and more focused without the constant dopamine rush of screens
- Less irritable and more patient in daily life
- Better at handling frustration without melting down over a lost game or a glitchy app
They still have big emotions (they’re kids, not machines!!!), but without screens to dysregulate them, I definitely feel we can navigate those emotions better. Less stimulation means they’re more present, engaged, and in tune with their surroundings.
This isn’t just a theory—we’ve seen the difference. And for our family, it’s worth it.
4. Less Screen Time Strengthens Our Family Bond
I’m acutely aware of how quickly my kid are growing up and how short a childhood really is. One of the things I really want to maintain is that our kids actually talk to us like they do now. They play together. They want to spend time with us. And I feel really strongly that I want to continue to encourage them to choose to be with us rather than being glued to a screen.
Because screens aren’t an automatic go-to, we have so many natural moments of connection:
- Reading together at bedtime
- Playing board games as a family
- Having uninterrupted dinner conversations
- Going for walks, kicking a ball around, or just chatting about life
We’re not competing with a screen for their attention—we have it. And that’s something we treasure.
5. Less Screen Time Simplifies Parenting for Us
Some people assume limiting screens would make life harder, but for us, it’s actually made parenting easier.
- No battles over tablet time.
- No “just one more go” negotiations. No massive mood shifts when it’s time for the game to end.
- No worrying about inappropriate content slipping through.
Instead, expectations are clear. Our kids know that screens aren’t an everyday thing, so they don’t even ask for them. And without screens as a distraction, they naturally fill their time with other things—things we feel are healthier for their brains and bodies.
Would it be easier to hand them a tablet when they’re restless? Of course. Would it be easier to hand out tablets in a restaurant – you bet. But in the long run, connection and being present makes life smoother for all of us.
6. A Hard Lesson: The Nintendo Switch Experiment
A few years ago, we gave in to social and peer pressure and introduced a Nintendo Switch at the weekend. Both my husband and I enjoy gaming, so we thought it might be a fun addition. But very quickly, we saw the negative impact it had—on their moods, their imagination, their ability to regulate emotions, and even our family dynamic.
The boys became irritable when asked to stop playing. They had less interest in their usual creative activities. The constant pull of “just one more game” led to arguments, frustration, and overstimulation. We could see firsthand how gaming wasn’t working for our family.
It was a massive lesson in trusting our gut. The Switch quietly disappeared, and almost immediately, we saw our happy, imaginative kids return. It was a defining moment in our parenting journey—one that solidified our belief that less screen time is better for our boys.
7. The Impact of Screen Time on Language Development
As a pediatric speech and language therapist, I see firsthand how screen exposure impacts children’s communication skills. And as a parent, I’ve experienced the difference that limiting screens can make in my own home.
One of the biggest challenges I see in my work is delayed language development linked to excessive screen time. When children spend more time in front of a screen and less time engaging in real-world conversations, they miss out on the back-and-forth interactions that are essential for developing communication skills.
- Children learn language through hearing and using it in real-time. Unlike a conversation with a parent, a screen won’t pause and wait for them to respond. It won’t adapt to their speech level or correct their pronunciation.
- Screens are one-way communication. Even the best educational programs don’t replace the rich, dynamic exchanges that happen in everyday life.
In our own family, I’ve seen the benefits of prioritizing real conversation over screen time. Our boys:
- Engage in more imaginative play, which builds vocabulary and storytelling skills
- Create their own narratives—whether it’s role-playing, making up stories, or just chatting away
- Listen better and process language more effectively in conversations
Screens aren’t evil, but real-world interactions are irreplaceable when it comes to speech and language development. And that’s why, for our family, this is a choice we stand by.
8. They’re Learning Real-Life Skills Instead
Because screens aren’t dominating their time, our boys are:
- Learning to cook simple meals and help in the kitchen
- Building things with their hands—LEGO, crafts, and DIY projects
- Exploring nature, climbing trees, and playing outside
They’re engaged in real-world problem-solving, learning patience, and developing independence—all skills that will benefit them far beyond childhood.
9. It’s Setting Them Up for a Healthy Relationship with Technology
We’re not anti-technology—we’re pro-intentional use.
Our boys will absolutely need to use technology as they grow up, and we’re not avoiding it completely. Instead, we’re teaching them that screens are a tool, not a necessity. We have a Chromebook in the kitchen that is used for homework, looking things up and sometimes we will do the Wordle together at the weekends. This Chromebook is not allowed to leave the kitchen table and is supervised. We’ll gradually introduce more tech as they get older, but on our terms.
This way, they’re learning balance from the start, rather than trying to undo bad habits later.
10. Does This Mean Our Kids Never Get Bored?
No! They absolutely get bored sometimes. And I really feel that’s actually a good thing.
Boredom teaches them to:
- Problem-solve (“What can I do instead?”)
- Get creative (“Let’s build a fort!”)
- Be independent (“I’ll make up a game with my brothers.”)
Instead of relying on screen time to entertain them, they’re learning to entertain themselves—and that’s a life skill we want them to carry forever. If you’re looking for activity ideas for kids that don’t require a screen check click here.
Will We Ever Change Our Approach?
Maybe. As they grow, we’ll adapt. But right now, this is what works for us.
We will be holding off on any phones until secondary school. We will also be holding off on social media for as long as possible. This isn’t about judging anyone else’s approach. I get asked about this topic all of the time, because people are curious and intrigued as to how it works for us. It’s about doing what feels right for our family, in our home, with our kids.
And so far? It’s one of the best parenting decisions we’ve ever made.
So true Emma well said