Get the book

Modelling healthy behavior

Your own habits matter (more than you think)

Children don’t just listen – they imitate. If we tell them to stop watching TV but scroll on our phones through dinner, they notice. If we say “screens off!” but glance at our smartwatches mid-conversation, they feel it.

You don’t have to go screen-free – just mind your cues:

  • Narrate your use: “I’m checking the weather, then I’m putting my phone away.”
  • Create buffer zones: “No phones while we eat together.”
  • Silence notifications during playtime or bedtime – even subtle distractions erode connection.

Small tweaks in your screen behavior can have a big impact on how kids view devices.

Create screen-free rituals

Screens aren’t the problem – disconnection is. So build moments that feel warm, reliable, and tech-free. These don’t have to be big or long – they just need to be intentional and consistent.

Try:

  • Breakfast chats instead of morning cartoons
  • 10-minute evening walks without phones
  • No-device storytime before bed
  • “Eye contact check-ins” where you pause to look and smile – sounds silly, but it matters

These small rituals become your child’s emotional anchor – more soothing than any screen ever could.

Connection as a buffer

When children feel seen and connected, they’re less likely to obsess over screens. Even just 10 minutes of focused, child-led play per day can lower screen cravings and reduce post-screen tantrums.

As Dr. Laura Markham puts it: “Children need emotional vitamins daily. Play is one of them.”

Try:

  • “You lead the game. I’ll follow for 10 minutes.”
  • “Tell me what your toy is thinking.”
  • “Let’s build a tower, and then we’ll knock it down together.”

These pockets of connection are what truly regulate screen use – not timers, punishments, or fancy content. Kids don’t need less tech – they need more us.

Browse this guide

Get all our activities + screen-free guide

We’ve gathered our screen free parenting guide + all our screen-free favorites into one easy-to-use collection. Perfect for busy days, travel, or when you just need a quick idea. Full of low-prep, mess-free activities, all organized by kid's energy level. Available for Kindle, as a PDF, or as a beautifully printed book (in select countries).
Get The Book Now
Scroll to Top