I never thought a simple change could have such a massive impact on my parenting and my three-year-old’s behavior.
As a mom, entrepreneur, and firm believer in living life on our own terms, I’ve always leaned into a more “crunchy” and holistic approach. But despite my best efforts, I started noticing something troubling—meltdowns, restlessness, and a shift in my child’s mood that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
It wasn’t until I took a hard look at one seemingly harmless habit—screen time—that everything clicked. What happened next completely transformed our home, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Let’s dive into this episode about the parenting experiment that changed everything for us!
The Awakening
It all started when I began to observe my son struggling with frustration. At just three years old, he was having a hard time coping with everyday challenges, whether it was building blocks or riding his bike.
Instead of learning to navigate his feelings, he would often ask to watch his favorite show, Curious George, whenever he felt upset. This was alarming to me.
I knew that it was crucial for him to learn how to deal with frustration, but it seemed like he was using the show as a crutch to escape his discomfort.
Despite being a family that doesn’t rely heavily on screens—our TV is rarely on during the day—I realized that even the limited screen time he had was becoming a source of dependency. I started to feel that screens were causing more problems than they were solving.
So, on January 1st, we made a commitment as a family to cut out screens entirely and see what would happen.
The First Week: Withdrawal Symptoms
The first week was tough. My son constantly asked to watch George, and I could see that he was struggling with the change. It was winter, and we were stuck indoors, which made the detox even more challenging.
However, I was determined to stick to our decision. I knew that if we were going to do this, we had to commit fully.
A Shift in Energy
By week two, I began to notice a remarkable change in my son. He started engaging in more independent play, something I hadn’t seen much of before.
One afternoon, I sat him down with a Richard Scarry book, and to my surprise, he was captivated. He sat quietly for nearly 40 minutes, which is a significant feat for a high-energy child! This newfound ability to entertain himself was a revelation.
Not only was he reading more, but his imagination also seemed to flourish. He began to create stories and play characters, transforming into a fireman or Mr. Fix-It with his toy toolbox. It was incredible to witness him inventing his own fun rather than relying on a screen for entertainment.
The Benefits of Less Screen Time
As the weeks went by, the benefits of cutting out screens became even more apparent. My son was handling frustration better, and our home felt more peaceful.
He no longer asked for Curious George, and I noticed that he was more balanced emotionally. While he still had his moments of frustration—he is, after all, a three-year-old—he seemed to be navigating his feelings with greater ease.
I also did some research during this time and found studies that supported my observations. For instance, a study from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital indicated that high amounts of screen time can negatively affect brain growth and development in young children. Additionally, extensive research by UNICEF found that excessive screen time can inhibit children’s ability to read faces and learn social skills, which are crucial for developing empathy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
I also looked into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, which recommend avoiding screens for children under 18 months and limiting screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming for children aged two to five.
These guidelines reinforced my decision to cut out screens, as I realized that my son was presenting behaviors that aligned with the negative effects outlined in the research.
Finding Alternatives
With screens out of the picture, I had to find alternative activities to keep my son engaged. We started listening to podcasts together, which allowed him to use his imagination while still enjoying stories.
One of our favorite podcasts is Garden Keeper Gus, a delightful series that sparks his creativity. We also play music and have dance parties, which have become a fun way to bond and let loose.
Outdoor play has been another essential component of our new lifestyle. I’ve found that getting outside allows my son to explore, run, and be wild without the constraints of screen time. We go on nature walks, where I create treasure hunts for him to find various items, making our outdoor adventures even more exciting.
The Importance of Play
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned through this experiment is the importance of unstructured play. Children are biologically designed to educate themselves through play and exploration.
As Peter Gray states in his book, Free to Learn, “children are the best learners in the world until we teach them otherwise.”
By allowing my son the freedom to play and explore, I’m fostering his natural curiosity and creativity.
Moving Forward: A New Perspective
As I reflect on this journey, I realize that cutting out screens has not only changed my son’s behavior but has also transformed our family dynamic. We are more connected, more engaged, and more present with each other.
While I’m not saying we’ll be screen-free forever, I do believe that this season of our lives calls for less screen time and more magic.
If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by screens in your child’s life, I encourage you to consider making small changes. Even a one-millimeter shift can lead to significant improvements over time. Parenting is hard, and we’re all just doing our best!
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