How do I get my child to play independently without my help?

How do you get a break from parenting? Well….most of us turn to screens. It’s easy and effective. Plus, most kids these days don’t seem to know how to play.

But the thing is, screens often have a hidden cost to attention spans, behavior, and development. And as it turns out, kids know how to play if given the chance.

Children are naturally wired to play. But in a world full of instant entertainment and fewer opportunities to practice, independent play has become a skill many children need help developing.

So how the heck do you get your kids to play by themselves so that you can finally get twenty minutes alone?

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Before you wake up on Day 1 of summer in a cold sweat, check out these 4 questions to discuss as a family that will really help give structure to those long school-less days.

Thanks to Andrea Davis of “Better Screen Time” who told our podcast that the key to a successful summer is…

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guilt free tv shows for kids

In our house, I try to be very low-screen…But that does not mean completely screen free.

As I have said before, not all screens are created equal. There’s a HUGE and important difference between letting your child play Fortnite, and letting them watch Bluey.

Similarly, letting your kids play Roblox may actually scar them forever (between pornographic “Easter eggs” hidden in games and the opportunity to chat with predators,) but letting your kids watch some cartoons on Friday afternoon isn’t going to do any harm.

So in the spirit of “I just need 20 minutes,” here is a curated list of low-stimulation, slow shows that will entertain kids, occasionally educate them, and keep you from feeling guilty!

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doomscrolling

There is something almost poetic about it.

We are posting about screen addiction. We are doomscrolling articles about doomscrolling. We are scheduling family phone-free dinners and then checking our email on the way to the table.

And our kids, who are watching us with the relentless attention of people who are still figuring out how the world works, are remembering all of it….

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How Do I Get My Kids Off Screens Without A Fight?

This my friends, is the sixty-four million dollar question. And despite writing about this subject for two years, and interviewing screentime experts for another year…I had yet to hear anyone give a truly actionable answer.

Many experts suggest going cold turkey. Some therapists and teachers suggest moderation. But nobody had ever told me how to successfully redirect my elementary-aged children away from Minecraft and Mr. Beast without all hell breaking loose.

Until now. (Imagine angels singing as the heavens open up.)

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You’re making dinner. One kid is yelling. Another kid is crying. Your partner just busted through the door from a long day at work. And suddenly….you’re done. Like, really done. Ready to go “Gone Girl” and never return again.

Yep, been there.

And the best solution is almost always nature. But how do we get more nature in our lives, and the lives of our children when we’re constantly surrounded by screens, full schedules, and cement?

Read on to learn EASY ways to get your family more dirt, danger, and dandelions.

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doomscrolling

When families begin to feel the strain of digital overload, the instinct is often to create new rules.

“No phones at the table.”
“No devices after bedtime.”
“Limit screen time.”

These rules are well intentioned – but often fail to stick.

Here’s what does…

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Does your child hate to read?
Do they get frustrated at large chunks of text?
Do they need help understanding which character is speaking?

Look no further!

We know all of the graphic novels and dyslexia friendly books that make kids LOVE to read!

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From online oversharing, to gaming chats and school apps, today’s children are building a digital footprint from the day they’re born.

We uncover the biggest cybersecurity mistakes parents make—and how to fix them.
How do online scams target kids?
Why should you stop clicking on sponsored links?
Why is Google a problematic search engine?
How much damage is done when you post photos of your kids on social media?

Whether your child is in preschool or heading off to college, this post is packed with actionable strategies every parent needs.

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This isn’t a game of “Oregon Trail,” in the old-school computer lab.

The computers, apps, and games that children use at school today are affecting their learning, health, and IQ in a bad way.

As soon as most students in the US had frequent access to school technology, national test scores started falling.

Children can access unauthorized websites during the school day, exposing them to violent or pornographic material.

“Educational” games trigger dopamine responses, making it more difficult for students to focus on less stimulating activities.

Research shows that handwriting is better for memory and learning than typing. Reading paper books is superior to screens for comprehension and retention.

So what the heck can parents do about it?

I have an idea…

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