How Going Screen-Free Has Changed Our Family

Being a screen-free family means intentionally choosing to live without relying on screens for entertainment, learning, or distractions in our daily lives. For us, it wasn’t a decision we made overnight. In fact, during the first few months with our eldest daughter, Arbela, I spent hours on the couch breastfeeding and figuring out new motherhood while binge-watching every season of Criminal Minds. It was the ultimate first-child fourth trimester!

Making the switch to a screen-free lifestyle wasn’t easy. My husband and I had to unlearn habits we’d built over years—like relying on screens to decompress after a long day or distract our kids during tricky moments. But after a few thoughtful conversations about what felt best for our family, we decided to try. What began as a trial run quickly became a way of life, and now, we couldn’t imagine parenting any other way.

Deepening Connections

Without screens, our girls have naturally turned to each other for entertainment and problem-solving. Arbela, now 3, encourages her younger sisters during crafts and games, often reminding them, “That’s really good!” or “You’re doing great!” Our 1-year-old eagerly imitates her big sister, whether it’s scribbling with crayons or stacking blocks. Even our 5-month-old watches with wide-eyed wonder, absorbing everything.

These shared moments have made their sibling bond so much stronger, and it’s amazing to witness. While screens might have been an easy way to keep them entertained, replacing screen time with reading, fort-building, or outdoor exploration has helped us create a home filled with connection.

Creativity Flourishing

One of the most delightful surprises of being screen-free has been seeing how creative even our very young kids can be. Arbela, as the imaginative play leader, turns couch cushions into castles and cardboard boxes into trains, while our 1-year-old eagerly joins in, stacking blocks or exploring sensory bins filled with rice or playdough. Even our baby is clearly soaking in these experiences, already curious about her sisters’ imaginative worlds.

To encourage this creativity, we’ve stocked up on open-ended toys like wooden blocks, art supplies, and sensory items. These simple tools have unlocked their imaginations in ways that a screen never could. What surprised us most is how resourceful they’ve become when faced with boredom. Instead of asking for a show, Arbela suggests crafts or games, pulling her sisters into the fun.

Navigating Tantrums Without Screens

One of the hardest parts of going screen-free has been managing tantrums and tough moments without the quick fix of a screen. Screens can feel like an easy distraction, but we’ve learned that by not relying on them, our kids are beginning to develop their own ways of coping with big emotions.

For our 1-year-old, a change of scenery—like stepping outside for fresh air—can work wonders. With Arbela, we turn to calming sensory activities like playdough or coloring, and sometimes just snuggling together helps her feel secure. These moments are rarely easy, but they’ve taught us all patience. Slowly, our kids are learning to sit with discomfort and explore other ways to self-soothe, which feels like a huge win.

Learning Through Play

What surprised us most about being screen-free is how much our kids naturally learn through play and exploration. Arbela loves counting leaves or sticks on our walks, while our 1-year-old gets excited identifying colors during crafts. Baking together becomes a fun lesson in measuring and pouring, and nature walks spark questions about animals or the seasons.

These everyday activities are full of opportunities to learn. By incorporating “micro-lessons” into our routines—like counting, naming shapes, or observing nature—we’ve discovered how curious and capable our kids are. They’re learning so much, not because of structured lessons or apps, but because they’re engaging with the world around them.

Simplifying Our Lives

Living screen-free has brought a sense of simplicity to our lives that we didn’t fully anticipate. Without screens, there’s less clutter—not just in our home, but in our minds. The absence of constant noise and distractions has created space for more intentional living, where we focus on what truly matters.

What surprised us most is how little we actually miss screens. The moments we thought would feel empty are now filled with laughter, creativity, and connection. And we rarely find ourselves wishing for the convenience of a screen.

Addressing Challenges and Finding Solutions

That said, there are moments when screens feel tempting. Long road trips, sick days, or times when we’re completely drained as parents make turning on a show seem like the easiest solution. But we’ve learned to adapt. Audiobooks are now a car-ride favorite, and sensory bins or quiet play keep the kids engaged on slow days.

We’ve also heard concerns like, “Won’t your kids fall behind without educational shows or apps?” or “Isn’t it too hard to manage without screens?” These are valid questions, but we’ve seen firsthand how much our kids learn naturally through hands-on experiences and play. Going screen-free isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.

Tips for Starting Your Screen-Free Journey

If you’re considering a screen-free lifestyle, start small. Introduce screen-free moments, like family dinners or device-free weekends outdoors. Having a “boredom buster” jar with puzzles, crafts, or outdoor games can help combat the “I’m bored” moments.

It’s also important to make it a family-wide commitment. When everyone is involved, it feels less like a restriction and more like a shared adventure. Whether it’s a weekend hike, a family art project, or a game night, these moments become opportunities to connect and grow.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, being screen-free has truly enriched our family life in ways we never expected. It’s deepened our connections, sparked creativity, and allowed us to embrace the simplicity of everyday moments. While it’s not always easy, the rewards—more quality time, stronger bonds, and a calmer home—make it worth the effort.

If you’re thinking about reducing screen time in your family, start with small steps. Take it one moment at a time, whether that’s screen-free meals or an outdoor weekend. You’ll be surprised by how much more you enjoy these moments together.

I’d love to hear about your screen-free experiences—whether you’re just starting out or have already made the shift. Share your favorite moments or ask questions in the comments below! Let’s support each other in making more intentional choices for our families.