Why It’s Time to Reclaim Childhood from Screens (and How You Can Start Today)

Let’s be honest: parenting in the digital age is tough. Between work demands, endless to-do lists, and the constant pressure to “do it all,” it’s no surprise that many of us hand over a tablet or turn on a show just to get through the day. You’re not alone—and you’re not a bad parent for needing a moment of peace.

But here’s the hard truth: our children’s development is quietly slipping into crisis mode. The very technology that gives us a break is also robbing our kids of something much more valuable—deep friendships, meaningful conversations, healthy sleep, focus, and overall well-being.

I recently heard a jaw-dropping statistic from Dr. Jonathan Haidt: 40% of two-year-olds now have their own iPads. That number stopped me in my tracks.

Now, let me be clear—the problem isn’t technology itself. Screens aren’t the enemy. It’s how often our kids are using them, what they’re watching, and the habits being built around it that are cause for concern.

We’ve all seen it: a family out at dinner, every child zoned out on a screen, missing the chance to laugh, chat, or just be bored together. If you're feeling uneasy about your child’s screen time, the good news is—it’s never too late to make a change.

5 Gentle But Effective Ways to Reset Your Child’s Tech Habits

1. Skip the personal devices. Try to avoid giving your child their own tablet or phone. Instead, keep tech communal—like a family TV in the living room or your phone used occasionally and with you nearby. This builds a sense of shared experience and accountability.

2. Choose long-form content with a story. Encourage your child to watch shows or movies with real storylines that hold their attention for the right reasons. Steer clear of short-form, fast-cut platforms like TikTok or endless YouTube shorts—they’re designed to overstimulate and keep kids hooked, not help them grow.

3. Make mealtimes screen-free. Start with a couple of nights a week where everyone—yes, everyone—puts devices away during dinner. Take this habit out into the world with you: bring coloring books, small toys, or card games when eating out instead of defaulting to screens. If you do use tech at a restaurant, wait until after your kids eat, and opt for calming, long-form content.

4. Model mindful screen use. Our kids are always watching (sometimes literally). If we’re glued to our phones, they will be too. Set the example you want them to follow—and give yourself some grace as you work on it, too.

5. Expect pushback—and hang in there. Yes, changing habits might mean a few tantrums. That’s okay. In fact, it’s normal. But with consistency, those outbursts will fade. Your kids will adjust—and over time, their behavior, focus, and connection with others will likely improve.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re ready to make a shift but aren’t sure how to start—or just need someone in your corner—I’m here to help. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or employer looking to support families, feel free to reach out for a personal consultation or to schedule a speaking event at your school or business.

Let’s work together to give our kids the childhood they deserve—one with more wonder, more connection, and a lot less scrolling.