We Did a Screen Detox with our Kids

Recently we did a screen detox with our kids and noticed many benefits. Now we will be implementing more rules around how much screen time we allow.

Let me start by saying, I do not believe screens are bad or shouldn’t have a place in our lives, because they are really beneficial in certain areas. For example, we use them educationally to look up facts and videos about things we are learning. We also use them at our STEM 4-H club to learn about computer science and coding. Plus as adults, many of us use them to make a living. But! When they start to take over too much of our day in ways that aren’t productive or helpful I think that’s when we need to reevaluate our schedules.

For us that time was way overdue. I was allowing too much screen time and using it more as a babysitter than as a tool. I would turn on the TV in the morning for my toddler so the big kids and I could get stuff done and that would lead to him watching it for far too long. As time went on we started to see the negative effects starting to surface and knew it was time for a screen break.

As deep as we were in the screen addiction (every car ride a movie was playing, morning tv leading into afternoon tv, giving them my phone at restaurants just too keep the peace….) we knew this was going to need to be a major and swift break. So we started a two week break from screens and quit cold turkey.

It wasn’t easy, I would actually compare it to going on a diet. The first day is great, you’re ready for this, maybe even excited, but the second day reality hits and the cravings start. But as I held firm to our decision and the days went on I noticed all the benefits and then it got easier not to give in and turn the TV on.

Benefits We Have Seen From Limiting Screen Time:

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More imagination (and things they have done during playtime):

My kids have been playing and making up games so much together. Yes, the house becomes a mess so fast but the memories are worth it. Plus, they are learning to clean up after themself more because of it. BOOYA!
They often use the Nugget Couch to make houses, ships, slides and whatever else they need for their games. I found the magnet tiles on clearance post Christmas sale and those are a hit. I’ve even brought out Play-Doh… which has always been a hit but it’s a luxury around here. If you know, you know.
For Christmas they got two Yoto Players and those are AMAZING. They not only play audio books but also music, activities and educational audio. We have been loving it!
And of course tons of free play and outdoor play. This time of year in Florida is the best time to rack in the house of fresh air. They love playing in the dirt, on their playhouse/swing set and climbing trees. Outside their imagination runs as wild as they are.

More reading/looking at books:

My kids have picked up books so much more lately all on their own. Even the toddler and baby have been opening books and looking at the pictures. My 8 year old will get up in the morning and open a book before breakfast! She even complained when it was chore time that she just wanted to sit and read. Haha! I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather hear a complaint to read more than watch tv more.
My toddler even joined us at the table with a book during school time all on his own. That made my day!

Better bedtime/sleep:

The main reason we started this detox was because of bedtime and I’m happy to report, the hard work has paid off! We have went from bedtime taking an hour or more to little man falling asleep within 30 minutes or less most of the time! Some evenings we’ve even had to keep him awake because it was too early for bedtime and too late for nap time.
I wish I could report that they stay in their bed all night but we still have 1 or 2 make their way to our bed at some point in the night. I know as they get older that will change though so I’m not too worried about it unless I’m falling off the bed. Haha!

More conversations:

It’s sad to say, although I’m also so glad to realize it, but now that the TV isn’t a constant distraction I have so many more conversations with all my kids. Even my two year old and I have sat down and giggled at our silly conversations together.

This quote always makes me stop and think. I always want my kids to know I care about what they have to say whether it’s something important or just a silly joke. So even if just having more conversations together was the only benefit I would call this detox a success!

More time together doing everyday tasks:

My older two (8 and 4) love helping in the kitchen, they will claim who gets to help cook dinner but with my 2 year old I would use the tv babysitter to keep him out of the kitchen… how sad, I know now! But now I have seen how much fun it is to have him in the kitchen. Yeah, it can be a bit stressful at times but watching him and helping him try to mix things or crack eggs has been so great!

I’m so glad to realize just how much screens had taken away from my time with these precious children. Childhood goes by fast enough not to lose huge parts of it to screens. But like I said, screens aren’t all in all bad, and as we incorporate them back into our day we will be keeping it limited.

I hope you are encouraged by our experience with detoxing from screens. Leave me a comment and let me know if you’ve ever done a screen detox or if you are planning on doing one.

With love, Elia