Tips for Eliminating Screen Time | How Our Family Cut Out Screens

It's been almost four years since we've used screens in our home. With the occasional family movie twice a year, we are 98% screen-free. I'm sharing why we did it, how we did it, and why we will never go back!

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[BrOoKiEcOoKiEcUtIe]

Hi. I’m 12 years old and I actually cut out screens myself. (Apart from videos about screen-free parenting). I’ve been really happy since I’ve reduced my screen usage. But.. my parents always have them on and I’m trying to get them to stop. ❤

[joshualee]

Our homeschooling family has been screen free for about 8 years, and it was such a wise choice! Our home is so much more joyful and peaceful. The earlier you get them off screens, the easier it will be. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips.

[juliequates]

It can be done mommas! I have a 9, 5, 3, 1 year old with zero screens except for drawing tutorials, diy homestead videos (a project they are interested in) and a few here and there for homeschool topics. There's no set time for screens or movies or games. Im not saying this to brag but i grew up with the tv on literally all the time, movies, games all the time. Only the Lord could do this in my home & mind. My kids get bored, they fight, they are normal kids but screens are just never a fall back that they'd think to ask for. Great ideas in this video! ❤❤

[hellosambryant]

My son wasn’t an avid TV watcher (maybe 30 minutes of a non-stimulating show per day after quiet time) but i have noticed such a huge difference in his behavior when he watches TV! We are on day four of no screens and i can already see him beginning to play differently! Thank you for the encouragement!!

[koffeeeandkandles]

Tips
Art and play attention
Plan your day ahead
Involve them in house chores
Spend time in nature

[evanneofficial]

You have such a wonderful vibe!!
And for anyone wondering: if you grow up not used to screens, trust me you don't miss it! My brother (26 years old) and I (24 years old) grew up without screens and now we live on our own and both have a phone and that's it. Not even a TV. We don't miss it, don't think about it and we do other things instead of watching TV 😊
So I'd love to continue with this in the future with my own children so thank you for the tips! I love them!

[alannahollier]

I watched this video the other day and loved your art invite idea, which I set up the next morning for my 3 year old while I made breakfast. He made these ice creams out of pom poms, glue and small pieces of paper and honestly it is the most creative thing he has made. Thanks so much!

[_learningwithlove_]

So helpful! I’m feeling so convicted to cut out screens during the week. I use it in the afternoon for down time/dinner making, but the meltdowns & overstimulation is just not worth it.
I really like your tip about planning your week with different invitations to play/art. 💛

[guadalupeacademy]

Thank you so much for sharing this in a non-judgemental way. I have had so much trouble finding realistic tips like this as a work from home military spouse. I desperately want to cut out screen time for my kids and I hope this will help at least to start phasing it out!

[penielacademy]

We have been screen free from the beginning, our oldest is 11 now . And we have been fine 😁 and our kids are very active, curious and creative. In the hard days when my boys were really young and the temptation to have some " me time" was strong, I always remembered that all generations before ours did it and kids grew up without ipads and phones . If those parents were capable and smart enough to entartain their children we surely can be too, its not impossible.

[laurenpiha]

I love “any TV time is family time” !!
I’m usually whipping around in the kitchen or something while kids watch something.
That’s definitely a mindset I want to have and I’m glad you said that because it’s motivating and an ideal to work toward for sure! ❤️

[dana]

I am so thankful for this video! I have always felt intense guilt for giving my child screen time. I was using it as a crutch so that I could have some breaks during the day. It got to the point where I finally put the tv under our stairs this last week. I look forward to being free of that guilt and allowing our children to grow up in a home that really nourishes their mind.

[angelicscalliwagshomeschoo]

The bane of every homeschool mother's life! So useful but also so destructive. Great tips!

[switchtoplants]

I have been searching endlessly for help as a new mom to a 17 month old not having any family to help me with much while my husband works and also transitioning from the 9-5 to being a SAHM I turned to a tablet when she hit 1 but I can totally tell she is much different when she has less screen time and more outside time. I just struggle with what that looks like. Coming across your video helped me with how I can implement change and tips. I am a very schedule-like person and routine but I just didn’t know where to start or how. Thank you so much you just gained a subscriber and I look forward to more helpful and grace-filled content. God bless you

[lindseymeyer]

Love this! We cut out screens when our oldest was 3-4 as well and have never looked back! I appreciate the invitation to play/art invitation ideas! I definitely plan to try those this week when it’s too hot to be outside . Can’t wait for the next video! Thanks so much.

[KYLIN]

I have been a stay at home parent for the most of Newley 14 years. You are so smart and helpful. I really appreciate you. I grew up with less structure, and so I have to try harder to create that schedule for my children. Thank you for the tips…I still need them.

[aprilh]

I think it is important to make changes gradually over a couple weeks if children are used to a lot of screen time. For example, if they watch TV in the morning and afternoon, start by planning something else to do during the morning screen time such as spending the morning at a park. After a few days or a week of cutting out the morning time start to reduce the afternoon time. I love the "invitation" idea. When one show is over you could say, "ok, we are going to turn the TV off now and bake some cookies!". Another idea is to replace a TV show with educational screen time like an art tutorial.

[jessicabale]

Thank you. I needed this encouragement. I'm a SAHM of three little ones, and while we dont do screens alot, it is about everyday, and I think it does snowball into almost every "bored moment" hearing "can I watch a movie?" I dont want that. Appreciate the ideas here!

[Slades]

I loved your video! You are helping bring light and hope to a big problem of our day. I have been working on less screen time for my family. Thank you!

[laurenkwarren]

My goal is screen light—very light— but not 100% screen free, because I do believe there is a time and place for a good movie here or there. I guess I’m just not about an extreme that has no exceptions. But I’m ALL about limiting screens extensively.