Screen Time Tips for Parents
Many parents can tell you that battles and meltdowns over screen time, whether it’s the TV, iPad, computer or phone, are all too common.
Most parents know the feeling: the daily dance of negotiating screen time. As digital life continues to evolve, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its guidance to reflect the world kids are growing up in today. Rather than focusing only on strict limits, the AAP encourages families to think intentionally about how and why children use technology.
“Parents are their children’s media mentors,” said Anna Curtin, Director of the Therapeutic Nursery Program at Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness. “There is a time and place for screen time, and sometimes it’s even required for school. The goal is to set intentional limits and choose high‑quality, monitored content.”
Create a Plan
When you’re thinking about screen time, it helps to consider what your child might be missing while using screens, such as outdoor play, imaginative activities, or homework time. A thoughtful family plan can support healthier habits and reduce stress for everyone. The AAP’s A Family Media Plan is a helpful resource for setting priorities, balancing screen use with other activities, creating screen‑free zones (the dinner table), and times (right before bedtime).
Caregivers should decide which shows, apps and games are appropriate for their children. Common Sense Media offers helpful age‑based reviews, and parental controls can filter out content you’d rather avoid. Some families limit the number of apps on a child’s device, choosing something like PBS Kids over YouTube, for example, while still keeping an eye on how it’s used.
Find Alternatives
Screens often fill the gaps when parents are busy, but having a few quiet, engaging activities ready to go can make a big difference. Keep these activities stored out of reach and bring them out during specific times.
For instance, a 5‑year‑old who no longer naps might enjoy 45 minutes of quiet play followed by a short period of screen time. This helps create a predictable rhythm that works for both kids and caregivers.
Set up for Success
Even the best plans can lead to pushbacks. Involving children early in the process can reduce conflict later. Once rules are in place, time warnings can help ease transitions: “You have five more TV minutes,” or “When this show ends, it’s time to turn off the TV.”
If transitions are especially tough, try joining your child for a minute at the end of their screen time. Asking them to show you something from their game or video can build connection and make shifting to a new activity feel less abrupt.
It’s also helpful to talk about media regularly, so children feel comfortable bringing up anything confusing or scary. These conversations become even more important as kids approach the age of social media. Books can be a great way to open the door to these discussions.
Michelle Brennan, educational coordinator for the Therapeutic Nursery Program at The Lourie Center recommends:
- Screen Time Is Not Forever, by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen (ages 1-4)
- Unplugged, by Steve Antony (ages 3-7)
- Screens Away, Time to Play, by Kailan Carr (ages 3-7)
- Zeke Meeks vs the Horrible TV-Turn Off Week by P.D. Eastman (ages 7-12)
To learn more about The Lourie Center and its services, please visit LourieCenter.org.
