As summer winds down and you prepare for back-to-school routines, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit your family’s tech habits and manage screen time in early childhood confidently and calmly. Whether screens have been essential tools for learning, downtime, or just getting through busy days, you’re definitely not alone. At Oona, we support families exactly where they are, offering practical, compassionate steps for digital wellness for kids.
Why setting screen time limits for kids is worth revisiting—gently
Screens are part of modern parenting, from educational apps to FaceTiming grandparents. They provide real benefits, but balance is key. Evidence shows too much screen time in early childhood can impact sleep, attention span, and mood regulation. Screens aren’t inherently bad (after all, they’re a fact of life!), but they’re most beneficial when used intentionally within supportive routines.
If you leaned on screens more heavily this summer, that’s completely okay. Many families do. Back-to-school season offers a gentle reset opportunity to nurture your child’s holistic development—brain, body, and emotions.
Five compassionate strategies to manage screen time
Not every family can use these strategies, for any number of reasons. We’re offering suggestions here, but if you aren’t able to manage them, you’re still doing a great job! Do whatever works best for you and your family.
1. 🕐 Set predictable screen-time routines—with rhythm, not rigidity
Children thrive with predictable routines. If possible, establish a daily screen allowance suited to your family’s lifestyle and your child’s age (e.g., 1 hour daily for 2–5-year-olds, per Canadian Pediatric Society guidelines). When screen time feels consistent—just like snack or storytime—it reduces stress and negotiation.
2. 👀 Co-watch to boost connection and learning
Co-watching transforms passive screen time into active learning, enhancing emotional intelligence and critical thinking. If you can, try to:
- ask questions (“What do you think happens next?”)
- label emotions (“That character looks sad—why might that be?”)
- connect scenarios to real life experiences
Even occasional co-watching can significantly enrich your child’s screen interactions.
3. 🧘♀️ Establish calming screen-free zones
Meals and the hour before bedtime are ideal for calming the nervous system and nurturing family connection. Whenever possible, designate these times as tech-free. Offer engaging alternatives like music, drawing, or gentle massage routines—something our therapists can help guide you through!
4. 🎨 Prioritize real-world play for holistic growth
Real-world play fosters imagination, motor skills, and emotional regulation. Instead of forcibly reducing screen time, encourage playful alternatives. If you’re able to, create a “boredom basket” filled with blocks, craft materials, or sensory toys. Schedule park outings or playdates. Real-life play provides unique developmental benefits screens simply can’t replicate.
5. ❤️ Model digital wellness—imperfectly and authentically
Your child observes and mimics your habits (yes, even screen habits!). Perfection isn’t the goal, but authentic modeling helps build your child’s long-term relationship with technology. If you catch yourself frequently on your phone, acknowledge it openly: “Oops, I got distracted—let’s play together now.” This demonstrates awareness and intentional behavior, teaching your child realistic, empathetic digital wellness.
Reducing screen time tantrums—what if my child resists?
Children naturally push back against new limits, especially after relaxed summer habits. It helps to stay calm, consistent, and curious. Ask what they enjoy most about screen time and recreate that joy offline. If they love stories, build a cozy fort and read together. If they enjoy characters, try drawing or acting out scenes. While these are ideal outcomes, we know that real life doesn’t always allow for them. Just do your best—whatever that looks like for you. There’s never any judgment here.
Our multidisciplinary team is always here if your child experiences big emotions during transitions. Chiropractors, naturopaths, and pediatric specialists collaborate holistically to support emotional regulation, sleep, and overall development.
Back-to-school is the ideal reset moment
September naturally invites structured routines. Small adjustments now can lead to smoother evenings, better sleep, and less stress for everyone. If you need personalized support to manage your child’s screen time or navigate emotional transitions, we’ll help craft a wellness plan tailored to your family’s needs—without guilt or overwhelm.
You’re doing great. Screens included.
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