Screen-Time and Kids: Striking the Balance in a Tech-Soaked World

We’re living in a world where screens are everywhere, they’ve become fundamental to most of our daily lives. As much as we rely on them, it begs the question: how do we help our children find balance in this new-age-tech-life? How much screen time is too much? And, if I’m spending all day on my computer for work, how do I explain to my kids that their screen time is still limited?

So, What’s the Deal with Screen Time for Kids?

Research on screen time for children has become the gospel for modern parenting. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for kids aged 6 and older. That’s two hours where they’re engaging in non-educational activities like gaming, social media, or watching shows. This guideline exists for a reason. Too much passive screen time can lead to issues like sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and even attention problems.

But here’s where it gets tricky: not all screen time is created equal. Educational screens? That’s another story. We live in a time when screens are incredible tools for learning. My kids have done everything from coding games to studying marine biology through online resources. And guess what? That kind of screen time? Totally legit. When it comes to schoolwork, especially in homeschooling, the line between educational use and excessive screen time gets blurry. The trick is balance.

For my kids, screen time starts with intent. If they’re learning or building something, I’m all for it. If they’re just zoning out, that’s when I start to pump the brakes. We build in plenty of hands-on activities to make sure screens aren’t the default mode. Legos, soccer, drawing—you name it. Anything that encourages creativity, problem-solving, or movement gets priority. As far as I’m concerned, balance is the magic word.

Tech as a Tool, Not a Time-Suck

As much as we want to limit screen time, we also have to admit: being tech-savvy isn’t just a nice-to-have skill anymore—it’s essential. The future belongs to those who know how to navigate the digital world, not just using it for work but understanding it, creating with it, and knowing when to disconnect from it; it’s about teaching mastery over it, not letting it master you.

We give tech purpose. Instead of letting screens fill the void, we use them to fuel curiosity. You want to learn more about sharks? Great, let’s watch a documentary or pull up some interactive resources. After that? Let’s build a shark out of Legos. Let’s go to the aquarium. Let’s connect the digital with the physical.

Addressing the Optics: Adults and Screens

Working from home while raising kids adds a layer of complexity—especially when your job keeps you glued to a screen. Deadlines don’t pause just because the kids are around, but I’ve found that setting clear boundaries makes all the difference. My kids know that when I’m on my laptop during certain blocks of time, it’s "focus hours" for Dad. We use a time-blocking system, so they understand when it’s “work time” and when it’s “play time” for everyone. This not only helps me get work done but also teaches them about respecting work boundaries—something they’ll need to grasp for their own futures.

Of course, life happens. If my 4-year-old wants to watch Peppa Pig while I scramble to meet a deadline, that’s just part of the balancing act. The key is moderation and being intentional with screen time—for both of us.

The optics of screen use as a parent are tricky. Whether you’re sending a work email or checking memes, to your kids, it all looks the same: you’re staring at a screen. That’s why I’ve made it a point to model intentionality with my phone and laptop. They see me use screens to work, learn, or coordinate family activities—not to mindlessly scroll. Screens aren’t inherently bad or good—they’re tools. And showing kids how to use them productively is just as important as modeling when to disconnect.

When work is done, I make a conscious effort to step away from the digital world and focus on real-world interaction. Whether it’s playing outside, reading together, or jumping into a hands-on project, showing them that I choose family over distractions helps set the tone. Disconnection can be just as powerful as staying plugged in, and teaching that balance is key to navigating a tech-heavy world.

The Real Takeaway

At the end of the day, it’s not about demonizing screens. It’s about balance and intentionality. Be real with your kids about how and why you use technology. Teach them that screens are incredible tools when used for learning, creating, and connecting. Our children are growing up in a tech-driven world. We need to equip them to thrive in that world, not just survive it. Teach them that technology is here to help them create, learn, and grow, but also show them the power of stepping away from it, reconnecting with their physical surroundings, and living life beyond the pixels.

As for us adults? We’ve got to walk the talk. Set those boundaries, model healthy tech use, and show our kids that screens are tools for growth, not crutches for boredom. Make time to unplug. Kids don’t just need to see us working on screens—they need to see us putting them down too. After all, the best memories aren’t made through a screen—they’re made while we’re out there living life.

— The HOM Network