raising off screen

If I ever made this sound easy… please accept my sincere apologies for misleading you. Going screen-free is tough! As parents, we’ve all relied on screens at some point to entertain our kids, give ourselves a break, or just keep the peace. But if you’re ready to take the leap, here are a few things you need to know and do before making the transition. These steps will help smooth the process (because trust me, you’ll need all the help you can get!).

1. Patience, Patience, and More Patience

Once the screens are gone, nothing will be capturing their attention like before. Be ready for:

• Constant interruptions
• Endless snack requests
• Extreme noise levels (if your kids are as active as mine)
• Pushback, complaints, and resistance

If you don’t have the patience, pray for it—God provides. This journey is as much about our growth as parents as it is about our kids.

2. Have a Conversation With Your Kids

Kids understand more than we give them credit for. Before making the switch, talk to them.

When I sat my boys down, I first asked them, “Do you know why I want to cut back on screens?” They gave me all the wrong answers. That’s when I explained:

• What screens do to the brain
• How the creators of these screens (Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, etc.) didn’t allow their own kids to use them because they knew the dangers
• How screens prevent creativity, reading, outdoor play, and healthy development

I told them, “Your dad and I love you too much to let you be paralyzed by screens.” I was honest about my own struggles, admitting that I sometimes crave peace and quiet but ultimately, their well-being is more important.

Then, I spoke life into them:

• “You are strong, creative, and smart.”
• “You will grow into educated, successful men, husbands, and fathers.”
• “You were made for great things!”

To make it real for them, I showed them a video of Mac McClung winning the dunk contest 3 years in a row. “This is a kid who didn’t sit inside on a couch all day—he played, practiced, and pushed himself.” They loved that. By the end of the conversation, they agreed with my decision. (Note: This won’t be the last time we have this talk. When they crave screens, they will ask again, and I’ll keep reminding them.)

3. Replace the Screens

Simply removing screens without offering engaging alternatives is a recipe for disaster.

• Think about what your kids love: competition? Creativity? Hands-on activities?
• Stock up on books related to their interests.
• Get board games and group activities.
• Add elements of competition—sand timers work great for independent tasks.
• Encourage them to use their bodies—sports, dance, obstacle courses, etc.

4. Start Gradually

Going cold turkey is brutal (and kind of mean, let’s be honest).

Think of it like dieting. If you suddenly cut out all your favorite foods, you’ll probably give up. But if you gradually make changes, you won’t even crave the bad stuff anymore.

Here’s how I did it:

1. Step 1: Cut YouTube completely.
2. Step 2: No tablets or video games Monday-Thursday (only Friday-Sunday).
3. Step 3: On weekends, screens were allowed only one hour in the morning and one hour at night.

Next step? One hour per weekend day. Little by little, they’re adjusting!

5. Set Clear Rules

Make your expectations crystal clear. If screens are only allowed an hour a day or just on weekends, stick to it. When kids know what to expect, they push back less. And over time, it becomes routine.

6. Lead by Example

If you’re glued to your phone, they will notice. Try cutting your own screen time while they’re awake. Read, do house tasks, or simply be present. Our kids learn more from what we do than what we say.

7. Find a Support System

This journey is easier when you’re not alone. Find other like-minded parents who:

• Can share ideas and encouragement
• Understand the struggles
• Can set up screen-free playdates (so your kids aren’t constantly surrounded by screens at friends’ houses)

8. Pray Over Your Home

You will need all the wisdom, patience, and strength possible. Pray for:

• Guidance in leading your kids well
• Creative ideas to keep them engaged
• Community to support you
• Consistency and grace in the process

You Got This!

Going screen-free is a challenge, but it’s also one of the best gifts you can give your children. It won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Take it one step at a time, lean on God, and watch your kids thrive.

Are you thinking about going screen-free? What’s your biggest concern? Let’s chat in the comments!