In today’s digital world, it's easy for screens to take up more and more of our time. Whether it’s a tablet, a TV, or any electronic devices, screens seem to be everywhere, and while they’re great tools, finding a healthy balance for our children is essential. Too much screen time can impact sleep, focus, and social skills. If you’re a parent, like me, you may feel torn between allowing your child access to digital devices and encouraging offline activities that help them grow and learn in a more grounded way.

Here are five simple, practical tips to help balance screen time for children while keeping their wellbeing in mind.

1. Create Screen-Free Zones in Your Home

One way to manage screen time is by designating specific areas in your home as “screen-free.” Think of these as spaces where screens are simply not allowed, like:

• The dinner table – A perfect time to connect as a family without distractions.
• Bedrooms – Avoiding screens before bed helps maintain healthy sleep patterns.
• Outdoors – Encourage outdoor play as a screen-free sanctuary.

Having screen-free areas sends a clear message: not every moment needs to involve screens. I’ve found that having these spaces makes it easier for my kids to disconnect from the digital world and focus on active engagement with family and friends.

By designating screen-free zones, you help your child understand that there’s a time and place for screens – and there are plenty of times and places that don’t need them.

"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn." – O. Fred Donaldson, Play Specialist

2. Set Clear Screen Time Rules Based on Age

A healthy balance looks different depending on your child’s age. Younger children, like toddlers, may need very limited screen time, if any, while older children might be able to handle a bit more – but always in moderation.

For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:

• 0-18 months: No screen time, except for video calls with loved ones.
• 18-24 months: Introduce high-quality, educational content, if at all.
• 2-5 years: Limit screen time to about 1 hour per day of quality programming.
• 6+ years: Set consistent limits and ensure screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors.

With clear guidelines in place, managing screen time becomes easier, as children often understand boundaries when they’re presented calmly and consistently. I use a simple timer to reinforce these limits and help my child become aware of the time spent looking at the screen.

3. Schedule Screen Time Routine and Stick to It

Creating a screen time routine can help your child understand when screens are allowed and when they’re not. We follow a set routine, allowing screen time in short periods after homework is done and before bedtime activities begin.

Some ways you can schedule screen time:

• Weekdays: Limit to 1-2 hours, mostly for educational content or family video calls.
• Weekends: Offer a bit more flexibility but always stay within limits that work for your family.

Having a screen time routine not only helps you avoid excessive screen time but also keeps your child from expecting to watch or play on demand. Involve screens responsibly by planning ahead and setting time limits so screen time doesn’t interfere with other activities like reading, playing with wooden toys, or walking around the block.

This is a good time to introduce your child to a Bumbu Toys wooden toy, like our nature-inspired figures, which promote imagination and creative play without any need for screens. Explore our range of Bumbu Toys wooden figures here.

4. Prioritize Offline Hobbies and Activities

Encouraging offline hobbies and activities is one of the best ways to limit screen time naturally. When children find joy in activities like drawing, playing with wooden toys, or simply walking around the neighborhood, they develop interests that don’t require a screen.

Some screen-free activity ideas:

• Craft projects like painting or clay sculpting
• Outdoor activities like hiking or a simple backyard picnic
• Board games for quality family time
• Wooden toys that help children’s creativity bloom naturally, like our Bumbu Toys building sets.

Encouraging offline activities also helps develop healthy habits and prevents over-reliance on screens for entertainment. By fostering interests away from screens, we help our children build hobbies and skills that they’ll carry with them for life.

5. Model the Balance Behavior You Want to See

Children learn a lot by observing us, and this holds true for screen time too. When I want my child to spend less time in front of screens, I set an example by putting my own devices away. I’ve found it helpful to follow the same screen-time rules, like avoiding screens one hour before bedtime and making mealtime screen-free.

Modeling behavior also means that if screens are allowed, they’re used intentionally. For instance, if we’re watching a family movie or looking up recipes together, it’s a shared experience. This helps children see screens as a way to connect rather than an isolated activity.

“The best way to influence your kids is not by what you say, but by what you do.” – Jane Nelsen, Psychologist

By following these tips, I hope you’ll find a balance that works for your family and supports your children’s growth in a screen-filled world. Screens have a place in our lives, but it’s about helping children understand moderation and finding joy in activities that don’t require a digital device.

In Summary:

• Designate screen-free zones.
• Set screen time rules based on age.
• Schedule screen time consistently.
• Encourage offline hobbies.
• Lead by example.

A balanced approach to screen time can help our children enjoy both the benefits of the digital world and the wonders of offline play. So next time you’re wondering how to help manage screen time, remember that you’re setting up lifelong habits that support your child’s wellbeing.

And if you’re looking for ways to keep children engaged in meaningful, hands-on play, check out our selection of wooden toys at Bumbu Toys!