How to Use Screen Time Productively

“Hey everyone, I’m Courtney, mom of two boys, ages 5 and 7. I’ve been feeling stuck when it comes to managing their screen time. I don’t want to completely ban it, especially since they love their shows and games, but I also hate the “zombie mode” they go into when they’re staring at a screen for too long.

I’ve tried setting time limits, but even with less screen time, I don’t feel great about what they’re watching. It’s usually just random YouTube videos or cartoons that don’t seem very meaningful. Honestly, I feel a little guilty every time I hand over the tablet just to get a moment of peace.

I’m wondering, are there ways to actually make screen time a little more productive or educational? Is that even realistic with young kids? I’d love to hear if anyone has found apps, shows, or activities that feel like they actually help kids learn or move, not just zone out.

Any tips or recommendations would be really appreciated. I’m just trying to find a better balance without turning into the “no-fun” parent.”

Trying to find a balance between screen time and time offline can be extremely difficult in today’s digital world. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find purpose in this balance with productive uses of technology. Activities like brain breaks, which are guided, entertaining dances, turn screen time into physical activity. There are also educational forms of technology that make learning exciting through short animations or music videos. Suggestions like these, and more, can be found on our “More Help” page.