Too Much Screen Time? Smart Ways Parents Are Keeping Kids Busy This Summer

Unplug and Play: How Parents Are Tackling Too Much Screen Time This Summer

Today, almost every home has smartphones, tablets, or TVs. As a result, too much screen time has become a big problem, especially for children. During school holidays, kids often spend many hours watching screens. But this summer, many parents are using fun and smart ways to help their kids take a break from screens and enjoy other activities.

Why Too Much Screen Time Is a Problem

Parents around the world are realizing that too much screen time can harm their children’s health. Sitting too long in front of screens can cause eye strain, poor sleep, less physical activity, and fewer chances to talk and play with others.

Experts also say that too much time on screens can make it harder for children to focus, stay calm, and do well in school.

During vacations, there’s no fixed routine, so it’s easy for kids to spend more time on screens. That’s why many parents are now making daily schedules with fun non-screen activities.

How Parents Are Keeping Their Kids Engaged

There are many easy and fun ways to keep children busy without screens. Let’s look at how families are getting creative this summer.

1. Outdoor Play and Nature Activities

Getting kids outside is one of the best ways to cut screen time. Parents are taking their children for nature walks, bike rides, or playing in the garden. They’re also doing fun activities like gardening, beach visits, and bird watching.

Fresh air, sunlight, and moving around help kids stay healthy and happy. Some families are also sending their kids to summer sports camps to keep them active and social.

2. Joining Hobby Classes

Many parents are signing up their kids for classes like painting, dancing, music, cooking, or karate. These classes help kids learn something new, build skills, and feel proud of their progress.

Hobbies like art and music also make kids more creative. Parents find this a great way to reduce screen time and make learning fun.

3. Helping with Chores at Home

Giving children small jobs at home teaches them responsibility. Parents are making simple charts where kids can check off daily tasks like watering plants, folding clothes, or helping cook meals.

These small tasks help kids feel useful and teach good habits. When children feel important at home, they’re less likely to spend hours on screens.

4. Reading and Story Time

Many parents are making time for reading every day. They’re building small libraries at home or visiting local ones. Books take kids to new worlds and improve their language and thinking skills.

Parents are also reading stories out loud or sharing bedtime tales. This builds a stronger bond between parents and children while keeping them away from screens.

5. Playing Board Games as a Family

Families are going back to old-style games like chess, ludo, carrom, puzzles, and cards. These games are fun and also help children think better.

Some parents are planning special nights like “No-Screen Saturday” or “Craft Friday.” Everyone joins in to cook, do crafts, or watch a movie together—with limits. This helps kids learn how to enjoy screens in a balanced way.

Why a Balance Is Important

Not all screen time is bad. Some educational apps, learning videos, and creative tools can be good. But parents need to set limits on screen time and mix it with real-world activities.

Many are creating screen rules—like no screens during meals or before bedtime—and are keeping track of screen use with special apps.

Easy Tips to Reduce Screen Time

Here are some simple tips parents are using this summer:

• Be a Role Model: If parents reduce their own screen time, children are likely to do the same.

• Make Clear Rules: Set screen-free times (like dinner) and places (like the bedroom).

• Praise Good Choices: Give kids a high five or small reward when they choose to read or play instead of using a screen.

• Make a Weekly Plan: Plan outings or new activities to keep kids excited and busy.

• Be Patient: Changing habits takes time. Keep encouraging your child even if it’s slow.

Long-Term Benefits

By cutting back on too much screen time and doing more real-life activities, children learn important life skills. They stay active, use their creativity, and feel more confident.

These new habits don’t just help during the summer—they also prepare kids for a healthier, smarter, and happier future.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this article is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It does not substitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers are encouraged to consult certified experts for personalized guidance. DXB News Network is not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this article.