Sunshine over Screen Time

One of the most important things to know is that kids are not developmentally equipped to put healthy boundaries on screen time by themselves.

Screens are designed to hook us in. Even adults struggle to set limits with technology… so it’s unrealistic (and honestly unfair) to expect our kids to manage it solo. If left to their own devices (literally), most kids will choose screens over playtime, sunshine, and social interaction.

That’s where we come in.

When we help our kids swap screen time for outside time, we’re doing so much more than just getting them “off the couch.”

Here’s what outside time gives them:

• Improved mood and reduced anxiety
  
  

• Better sleep (thanks to natural light and physical activity)
  
  

• Increased creativity and problem-solving
  
  

• Stronger social skills through cooperative play
  
  

• Greater resilience from climbing, falling, getting messy, and trying again
  
  

• Stronger immune systems (hello, fresh air and dirt!)
  
  

And what happens with too much screen time? Mood swings, meltdowns, poor sleep, and shorter attention spans are just the beginning. It’s not about making screens “the enemy” it’s about making sure they don’t take over.

The key to success is creating clear, consistent, and reasonable boundaries around screens. 

Here are a few suggestions that you can adjust to fit your family:

• Set screen-free hours during the day. 

  • For example: “No screens between 10am and 4pm.”
    
    

• Create a “must-do” list before screen time.

  • Things like: playing outside for 30 minutes, reading a book, helping with a chore, doing something creative (drawing, Legos, puzzles), or connecting with family.
    
    

• Limit screen time to certain parts of the day.

  • For instance: “You can have up to 1 hour in the evening after dinner.”
    
    

• Keep screens out of bedrooms.

  • Especially at night. This supports sleep, healthy habits, and reduces battles.
    
    

• Use timers or visual cues.

  • Let kids see how much time they have, and give them a heads-up when time is almost up.
    
    

Remember: these aren’t punishments… they’re guardrails. You’re helping your child learn how to live a life that isn’t run by screens, something that will set them up for success in their future!

Now for the fun part! Actually getting outside! Motivation is everything. 

Here are some ways to get kids excited to unplug:

• Create an outdoor challenge list.

  • Think scavenger hunts, bug spotting, sidewalk chalk murals, or “build a fort” days.
    
    

• Make it social.

  • Invite friends over for sprinkler time, bike rides, backyard picnics, or water balloon battles.
    
    

• Use “outside time” as screen currency.

  • For example: “For every 30 minutes you play outside, you earn 10 minutes of screen time.”
    
    

• Introduce new outdoor gear.

  • It doesn’t have to be fancy—water guns, kites, gardening gloves, or even a new jump rope can re-spark interest.
    
    

• Start family rituals.

  • Evening walks, after-dinner driveway basketball, or weekend hikes help build connections and create healthy habits.

• Let them lead.

  • Ask: “What’s one fun thing we could do outside today?” If they’re involved in the plan, they’re more likely to engage.

It’s not always easy to redirect our kids away from screens… especially in the heat of summer boredom… but with consistency and creativity, it is possible. Our kids may not always say it or even believe it, but they crave the calm, comfort, and confidence that come from outdoor time. We all do.

So let’s give them that gift.

Set the boundaries. Offer the alternatives. Be okay with a little resistance. And then watch as, slowly but surely, they begin to remember how fun, freeing, and fulfilling life can be beyond the screen.

You’ve got this!