Summer! The time of year when routines go out the window, bedtimes drift later, and our kids suddenly think they can ask for screen time every 20 minutes. Sounds familiar?
Let’s be honest: screen time isn’t the villain. It gives us a moment to cook, breathe, answer an email, or just sip a cup of coffee while it’s still warm. But in the summer, when there’s more free time and less structure, it can easily snowball into full-day marathons. And then everyone gets grumpy, especially when the tablets are off!
So here are some honest, practical tips that have helped us create a healthier screen time rhythm at home, actually the whole year around.
🕙 Use a visual timer
Small kids have no clue what “10 more minutes” feels like. A visual timer (we love the ones where the red zone gets smaller) helps your child see that time is passing. It turns screen limits into something visual, not just another thing mom or dad says.
🌞 No screens first thing in the morning… or right before bedtime
Avoid screens at the beginning and end of the day. Why? In the morning, we want their brains to wake up naturally and slowly rather than being flooded with a dopamine rush before breakfast… And in the evening, screen-free time helps their bodies wind down, making it easier for them to fall asleep and sleep more deeply. This change alone can make a big difference in their mood and sleep quality.
🎞 Choose ad-free platforms
If possible, pick platforms that don’t show ads. It saves your kids from overstimulation, avoids those “I want that!” moments, and prevents the risk of them clicking on something odd. Bonus tip: download their favorite shows when you have Wi-Fi so you don’t rely on streaming all the time (great for travel too).
👀 Watch something new together first
When you introduce a new show or series, sit down and watch the first episode together. Not only is it a cozy bonding moment, but it also gives you a chance to openly talk about what they’re watching and what they think of it. And yes, it’s okay to say “we’re not going to watch this anymore” if it doesn’t feel right.
👍👎 Teach them to filter what they see
Here’s something not enough people talk about! Even young children can learn that they have some control over what gets shown to them. Teach them to use the thumbs up/down buttons. If they don’t like a video, they can “dislike” it and see less of that kind of content. It’s an early, simple way to help them learn they don’t have to accept everything that’s served to them on a screen.
🍿 Make it special once a week
Choose one day where screen time becomes a special family event. Watch a movie together, make popcorn, or even bake a cake to eat while watching. If you have a garden, set up a projector and turn it into a small outdoor cinema. You’ll be amazed at how quickly that one movie night becomes a moment to look forward to, together.
Screens aren’t going anywhere,
…and that’s okay. What matters is how we guide our kids through using them. With a bit of intention, some simple tools, and a whole lot of patience, screen time can remain a friend and not take over the entire summer.
Let’s make more of those good old offline memories too!
Lots of love,
Sarah
