Unplugged (Sort Of): A Realistic Guide to Summer Screen Time Balance
Longer days, more sunshine, and that sweet summer slowdown—it sounds dreamy. But if you’re like a lot of parents I work with, that relaxed routine can quickly turn into a daily battle over screens. If pulling your kids away from their devices feels like a full-time job, you’re not alone. The good news? It is possible to create a rhythm that feels good for everyone—one where screen time isn’t the enemy and summer still feels like, well… summer. Let’s talk about how to make that balance doable—and even enjoyable—for your family.
Summertime used to mean riding bikes, climbing trees, and playing in the sprinkler until the street lights came on.
No cell phones
No dings
No screens
Just kids soaking up the sun and the freedom of summer.
“Five more minutes, please!” Sound familiar? At this point, it might as well be the soundtrack of summer. The soft glow of screens lighting up little faces while we wonder: Is this okay? Am I doing too much? Not enough?
These days, figuring out screen time might be one of the trickiest parts of parenting. We know tech can be a lifeline—entertaining, educational, even social. But we also know our kids need time to move, play, create, and connect in real life. Striking that balance? It’s not easy—but it is possible.
What’s REALLY Going On?
Your kiddo hasn’t become "addicted" to screens overnight. I promise. Their developing brain is simply responding to the powerful design of digital media.
Think of your child’s brain on screens like a kid in a candy store—everything is bright, fast, and oh-so-hard to resist. That’s not an accident. Digital content is designed to grab attention, with flashing colors, quick cuts, and instant rewards. And here’s the kicker: your child’s prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain that helps with self-control and hitting the brakes—is still under construction. So while it might look like they’re “just ignoring you,” the truth is, their brain is up against a powerful pull they’re not quite equipped to manage yet.
And this is where we, the grown-ups, come in. Not as screentime police, or tech villains, but as guides. Our job isn’t to banish tech—it’s to help our kids learn how to use it well. That means setting clear, caring boundaries and teaching them the kind of digital smarts they’ll need for life. Because this isn’t just about summer—it’s about shaping habits, skills, and balance they can carry with them for the long haul.
So what does healthy screen use actually look like? It’s one thing to talk about balance—but what does that mean for a preschooler versus a tween? Let’s break it down by age so you can set expectations that make sense for your child’s stage of development (and your family’s sanity).
Screen Time Guidelines By Age
Under 2 Years: Limited exposure is best. If screens are used, opt for video calls with loved ones or brief, high-quality content.
Ages 2-5: Up to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, ideally watched with a parent to discuss and connect over the content.
Ages 6-12: Consistent limits on screen time, focusing on positive content and balancing with offline activities.
Teens: Encourage mindful screen use by involving them in setting limits and discussing digital wellness, privacy, and appropriate online behavior.
So, What Can You Do When Screens Feel Out of Balance?
Stay Steady: Clear boundaries with compassion. I know—the pushback is real. But your consistency helps their brain learn to regulate.
Validate Their Experience: "I see you're really enjoying that game. It's designed to be super interesting! And I also need you to take a break now." You don't have to demonize tech to set limits on it.
Be the Change: Kids notice when we say one thing but do another. Small changes in our own habits speak volumes.
A Quick Strategy to Try Today
Create "Tech-Free Zones"—physical spaces in your home where screens simply don't exist:
The Dinner Table (for family conversation)
Bedrooms (for better sleep hygiene)
The Car (for shorter trips—try conversation games instead)
Outdoor Spaces (let nature be the entertainment)
Not a perfect system, but a powerful reset that creates room for connection.
One Last Thing…
Your child isn't rejecting you for screens. They're drawn to something designed to captivate them. The ongoing screen struggle isn't a reflection of your parenting—it's a modern challenge we're all navigating together, one day at a time.
A Personal Note:
When screen time needs a reset, remember that observation without judgment is your first step. Sometimes we notice signs that screen time has gotten out of balance. Your child might struggle to transition away from screens, show changes in mood, lose interest in other activities, or have trouble sleeping. These are signals that it's time for a gentle reset.
Remember, technology isn't inherently good or bad – it's a tool. Our job isn't to eliminate screens but to teach our children to use them mindfully and in balance with other important activities in their lives. Starting small is okay – begin with one change, like no screens during meals, and build from there. Progress over perfection!
Need a little help getting started?
I created a free resource called The Screentime Solution: Creating a Family Plan That Works. It’s designed to help you set loving, realistic boundaries around tech without constant conflict. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step guidance, reflection questions, and practical tools to create a screen time routine your whole family can get behind.
You can grab your copy here or download it right here:
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