How to Create Screen Time Limits Your Kids Will Naturally Accept
Screens are everywhere — phones in pockets, tablets on the couch, TVs one remote-click away. And while technology has its place (hello, carpool directions and online recipes), it’s easy for screen time to take over.
Two weeks ago, we shared a Summer Bingo card full of offline adventures to keep little minds busy. This week, I’m following up with something just as helpful: our family-approved screen guidelines to make sure the tech time that does happen stays healthy, happy, and hassle-free.
My family had little meeting — phones away, everyone present — to come up with these together.
I am curious: What is your family doing to establish healthy screen habits?
I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email me your tips and tricks for a chance to be featured in our blog or on social media.
1. Daily Time Limits (and Why They Help)
1.5–2 hours of recreational screen time on weekdays
A bit more on weekends, when there’s more downtime
No screens before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
Break it into chunks (morning / afternoon / evening)
Kids do better when tech has clear borders—just like snacks or bedtime routines. Predictable time blocks give their brains a chance to reset and their bodies a chance to move.
Believe it or not, my son asked for limits. He told me, “Once I start, I can’t stop.” That really hit home. These boundaries gave him more control over his day—and helped break the cycle of autoplay loops and endless gaming.
2. The “Do Something First” Rule
Before that first tap or swipe, try one:
Read a book (or audiobook)
Kick a ball outside
Draw, build, or create
Help make breakfast
Complete two squares from the Bingo card
Starting the day with movement or creativity keeps screens from becoming the default. It’s like warming up the brain before diving into tech.
3. No Screens at the Table
This one’s for all of us—even when we’re eating alone. Mealtime is a chance to pause, reset, and just be.
With different camps, sports, and conditioning schedules this summer, my kids often find themselves eating solo. We talked about how even then, the phone should stay off the table. Instead, read a magazine, look out the window, or simply pay attention to the food in front of you.
We forget sometimes, but boredom can actually be a gift. In the quiet moments, there’s room for mindfulness—and maybe even a little peace.
4. No Screens in the Car (Unless It’s a Road Trip)
Since my kids aren’t driving yet, I spend a lot of time chauffeuring. I’ve asked them to keep their phones down and be present. Talk to me. Pick the playlist. Play “20 Questions.”
One of our go-to games is the Name Game. Here’s how it works: someone says a name — like “Sam.” The next person has to say a name that starts with the last letter of the previous one. So after “Sam,” you might say “Megan.” No repeats allowed! It’s simple, silly, and makes even short drives more fun.
And yes, road trips are the exception. I’m not a monster. Download that movie or game for the drive to the beach.
5. Headphone Guidelines
I asked, “What should we do about headphones?” Because walking around the house in separate sound bubbles is a fast track to disconnection.
Here’s what we landed on: no headphones in shared spaces. If we’re in the kitchen together — even if we’re doing different chores like cooking, unloading the dishwasher, or cleaning — headphones come off. Instead, we’ll play music out loud, ask Alexa for trivia questions, or talk to each other.
That said, we all enjoy audiobooks and podcasts while doing solo tasks — so when we’re off doing our own thing, headphones are totally fine.
6. No Screens in the Bedroom at Night
This has always been the rule for our kids, but now I’m joining them.
I know that having my phone on the nightstand isn’t doing me any favors. It disrupts sleep, tempts me when I should be winding down, and makes it way too easy to start the day with emails or social media instead of something calm and intentional.
I’ve also leaned on my phone for sleep meditations or calming sounds, but I realized it’s time to give myself the chance to truly fall asleep on my own. No guided meditation, no white noise app — just me, the dark, and some deep breaths. (We’ll see how it goes!)
7. Narrate Your Screen Use (Yes, Even Parents)
We told the kids to narrate what they're doing when they pick up the phone — especially if it’s during one of our “no screen” times like meals or car rides.
This gives us a little context:
“Mom, I’m just checking what color jersey we’re wearing tonight.”
“I’m texting to see if I can get a ride to practice.”
It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference. It helps us know they’re being intentional — not just zoning out or getting sucked into a scroll spiral.
And parents, this one’s for us, too. When your child is asking for your attention and you’re on your phone, try:
“I just need two more minutes to finish scheduling your doctor’s appointment, then I’m all yours.”
So often, we’re on our phones for our kids — coordinating their lives behind the scenes. But to them, it can feel like they’re being ignored in favor of Instagram. A little narration builds trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Big Picture
These aren’t punishments. They’re just gentle nudges to help us all enjoy summer — and each other — a little more. Tech is part of life. But it doesn’t have to run the show.
Do you have screen-time tips that are working in your house? I’d love to hear them! And if you haven’t yet, check out our Summer Bingo post for screen-free ideas.
Here’s to a season of balance, connection, and maybe even a few dinners with no one scrolling under the table.
