Screens Off, Imagination On: How I’m Managing Screen Time and Bringing Back Unplugged Play
Let’s be real: screens are everywhere. Tablets, phones, TVs, gaming consoles — they’ve become part of daily life, not just for us as adults but for our kids, too. And while I’m not here to demonize screen time (because hello, sometimes an episode of Bluey is the only thing standing between me and total meltdown), I’ve been on a mission lately to find a better balance.
I want my kids to know the joy of building a fort out of couch cushions, getting lost in a make-believe world, or simply running around outside until they’re out of breath. Unplugged play is where so much magic happens — and honestly, it’s where kids develop some of their most important life skills.
Why Unplugged Play Matters
When my kids play without screens, I see their creativity come alive. Suddenly, a cardboard box isn’t trash — it’s a spaceship. A stick isn’t just a stick — it’s a magic wand, a sword, or a fishing pole. This kind of open-ended play builds imagination, problem-solving skills, and even emotional resilience.
Plus, let’s not forget the physical benefits. Climbing, running, jumping — these things get their bodies moving in ways no video game can match.
Our Screen Time Rules (That Actually Work… Most Days)
We’re not a zero-screen household, but we do have some simple rules that help keep things in check:
Screens are a treat, not a given. We treat shows or games like dessert — something to enjoy after finishing their lunch, completing a learning activity, helping mama pick up, or outdoor play.
No screens during meals. This one was hard at first (because screens make mealtime so easy), but now it’s our family’s sacred unplugged time.
Tech-free mornings. We start the day without screens so their brains can wake up with books, toys, or a little creative play instead.
Do we stick to these rules perfectly? Nope. (Especially on sick days, rainy days, or let’s-be-honest-I’m-just-tired days.) But they give us a structure that keeps screen time from creeping into every free moment.
How I Encourage Unplugged Play
Here are a few things that have helped me nudge my kids toward screen-free fun:
Make the unplugged options easy and inviting. I keep art supplies, building toys, and puzzles in easy reach. Sometimes just seeing those things out is enough to spark an idea.
Get outside — often. Whether it’s a trip to the park or just the backyard, nature has a way of inspiring play without much effort from me.
Join in (at least at first). Sometimes kids need a little help getting started. I’ll sit and color with them, build the first Lego tower, or start a silly game. Usually, they take over from there.
Celebrate their creations. When they show me a block tower or a drawing, I make a BIG deal out of it. That positive feedback makes them want to keep going.
It’s All About Balance
I’m not aiming for perfection here — just progress. I want my kids to grow up tech-savvy and capable of entertaining themselves without a screen in sight. Some days we hit the balance just right, and other days the TV wins. And that’s okay.
At the end of the day, I remind myself: it’s not about eliminating screens entirely. It’s about making sure they don’t crowd out the kind of play that lets my kids’ imaginations run wild and their bodies get moving.
And honestly? Watching them turn a pile of pillows into a pirate ship beats any YouTube video. Every time.
