How do you Manage Screen Time?

Screen time- from toddlers to teenagers, the way we manage, monitor, guide and set boundaries evolves over time. There is no doubt that screens will forever be a part of our kids' lives, but how we as their parents oversee this multi-faceted challenge (and opportunity) is very individual to each family and to each child. As 6 moms with 18 kids combined, we have a range of approaches to this tricky subject. When simply turning off a TV or putting away an iPad works for controlling screen time with toddlers, when kids have more access to devices as they age, how do we guide them through understanding how to use this technology to stay connected without losing connection to their childhood? How can providing guidance for navigating the world through screens create moments of connection with our kids?

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

Managing screen time for teenagers is challenging with all they have access to: laptops, video games, cell phones, streaming services, and iPads. It’s not like when they were toddlers and we’d just hide their tablet when they hit the limit. As they got older, rather than saying NO to screen time, we created a schedule that was filled with outdoor activities, athletics, music, and chores. That pattern has continued, and now that they’re teenagers, we can have real conversations about how they manage their time and what they’re consuming. We also have screen time as a family - whether it's watching TV (yes, that is still screen time), YouTube videos, or sitting on the couch showing each other TikToks or Reels we think are hilarious, it becomes a point of connection rather than disconnection.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

Oof. Screen time is tough. My kids don’t have phones yet, but my 12 and 10-year-old have iPads, and my youngest watches TV. I don’t have strict limits. They play sports, hang with neighborhood kids, and stay active, but I still worry I’m allowing too much screen time, especially on iPads.

As summer approaches, I want to minimize it but not in a way that feels restrictive (because we all know that only leads to sneaking, negotiating, and meltdowns). If you have tips for gradually shifting from “this feels like a lot” to “this feels balanced,” I’m all ears. DM me your ideas as this is definitely a work in progress over here.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

Screen time is such a family individual preference. We as humans try to remind ourselves that we are all unique and in regards to screen time I think it is the same for each family. I have 3 kids and all 3 kids have a different relationship with screens.

For our family our kids are 10 and under so we have more control of their screen time at this stage. We are a strict no video games/tablet use during the school week - weekends only. Our family has so many activities daily that I know my family doesn't transition well from screens to activity and this was one way to eliminate that stress. TV time isn't something I closely watch time limit wise since our kids only have access in a common room in our house.

Summertime is a beast on its own….My kids feel like everyday is a weekend day! My husband and I create a list of chores, activities, and expectations before screen time on video games and tablets are allowed. While this works for our family, I honestly feel that each family does what works best for them and the age of the kids.

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

It seems like screen time gets trickier to manage as your kids get older. There are so many factors that play into it such as social media and the never ending video games. It is one of the most stressful parts of parenting, in my opinion. I am probably the last one to give advice on this, but I know as parents this is probably on the forefront of our minds daily.

How do I manage this in my household? My answer is not very helpful. We actually don’t have any screen time limitations. Which going into summer, this is constantly something I’m evaluating. A friend told me last summer that the moment she becomes concerned about too much screen time is when her kids would choose that over socializing and playing with friends. And, although that is not the only metric to base screen time on, I think it is helpful in evaluating consistently what is too much for your child.

In our household, we fight the screen time urge with busy sports schedules (sports that my kids love). My kids afternoons and evenings are filled with multiple club sports and activities. We rarely have a night free of this schedule. Our weekends are filled with 3-7 games over the course of those two days. We also prioritize family game nights and dinners out together for family connection.

Do I think my kids need screens for downtime and relax? No, I truly do not think they need screens to power down. But I do evaluate how much time they spend in their downtime and hopefully am making the right decision to cut them off when needed.

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

I have a love/ hate relationship with screen time. As my kids have grown, how we've managed screen time has evolved and the older they get, the more I'm letting my kids test out the right amount of screen time for themselves. That said, it is something I'm very aware of and try to meet my kids where they are- with a few boundaries.

Generally speaking, during the school year on a week day, youngest has 30-45 minutes of screen time. He loves his screens so much, that it is practially currency. Shifting away from the screen is so hard that if he ends screen time peacefully, he gets a bonus 15 minutes the following day. I'm sure this isn't great parenting advice, but it works for us. If there is ever a day that he loses screen time- it really matters to him.

For my two older kids, they have phones and I feel like that was a game changer. (And, honestly, I wish I had waited longer before we introduced phones.) We have limits set on their phones, but I'm not as strict about the time because they are also so busy with sports, that the screen isn't as much of a rabbit hole for them. They can get swept up texting, but as long as it isn't excessive, I feel like that's part of figuring it out. Plus, they are aware that I read their texts and we have had conversations about group chat etiquette, how to handle "joking" via text, not sending pictures and knowing that ANYTHING said in text could be shared and reshared - so be kind, be considerate and be aware. I have requested a phone free car (a hard ask for a boys carpool!), phone free dinner table and no phones in bedrooms at night.

Weekends and during more chill summer moments, I love a movie night just as much as my kids - especially on the patio. That is "screen time" that doubles as family time in my mind- and, I'm here for it!

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

Through my experience, I’ve seen firsthand how screens are changing the way young children experience the world. Kids under 12 should be filled with curiosity—asking questions, exploring outside, engaging with people around them. But more and more, I see them turning to screens for instant stimulation instead. It’s affecting how they play, focus, and even connect with others.

I’m not against technology, but I do believe in setting healthy limits. When screens take the place of creative play or real-world learning, kids miss out on important experiences that help them grow emotionally and socially. It’s about finding balance—making sure screens are tools, not the main source of entertainment or connection.

One of the biggest decisions we face as parents is when to allow our kids to have a phone. I waited until age 13, but honestly, I wish I had waited until 14. My advice? Hold off until it’s truly needed for things like travel, sports, or school communication. The later, the better. Once they do have a phone, we have to stay involved. My kids know I read their texts, and we talk openly about how anything shared in a message or online can be saved or sent to others. A good rule I use: don’t write anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.

Most importantly, I want them to understand how social media and screen time can impact their mental and emotional well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, likes, and feeling like you always have to be available. That’s a heavy load for young minds. Ongoing conversations, honest check-ins, and clear boundaries make a big difference. We’re not just teaching them how to use technology—we’re teaching them how to protect their sense of self in a digital world.

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