Let’s face it — screens are part of everyday life now. Tablets, phones, TVs, computers… they’re everywhere. And while a bit of screen time isn’t harmful, getting your kids to put the devices down can sometimes feel like you’re starting World War III in your living room.
But the good news is: it is possible to get kids off screens without a battle — and even better, without the tears (yours or theirs). The key is to make the alternative more exciting, more engaging, and — when possible — a little bit of fun for everyone. Sometimes, that’s as simple as planning an outing to a trampoline park Melbourne families love for its ability to wear kids out and light them up with joy.
If you’re ready to dial back the digital time and reintroduce some healthy play, here’s where to start.
Why It’s So Hard to Turn Off the Screen
Kids (and adults, let’s be honest) get hooked on screens for a reason. They’re designed to be stimulating. Bright colors, constant feedback, and reward loops keep brains engaged and craving more. For younger children especially, the transition away from that kind of stimulus to something less instantly exciting can feel jarring.
This doesn’t mean you have to cut screens out completely. But helping your kids develop a better relationship with tech — and teaching them how to transition away from it without a tantrum — is a long-term win for everyone.
Step One: Set Clear Expectations
The first step to avoiding meltdowns is making sure your child knows what to expect. If the rules change every day, they’ll push back every time.
Try:
- Setting consistent time limits (“You can play for 30 minutes after lunch”)
- Giving a 5–10 minute warning before screen time ends
- Having predictable no-screen times (like at dinner or before bed)
Kids do better when the boundaries are predictable — even if they don’t like them at first.
Step Two: Offer a Better Alternative
The biggest mistake parents make? Taking the screen away without offering a more appealing option in its place. Telling a kid to “just go play” isn’t specific enough. They need ideas — and sometimes, a little involvement from you to kick it off.
Try these screen-free swaps:
- High-energy activities: backyard obstacle courses, indoor dance parties, or trampoline sessions
- Creative projects: building forts, painting rocks, or crafting cardboard cities
- Outings: a walk to the park, visiting the library, or exploring somewhere new (bonus points if it includes snacks)
- Social swaps: invite a friend over for a playdate — sometimes other kids are the best distraction
Step Three: Make It a Team Effort
You don’t need to entertain your child 24/7 — but sometimes, a little parental participation makes all the difference.
Start a puzzle together. Build something with LEGO. Bake cookies and let them pour the ingredients. These shared activities often lead to longer stretches of solo play afterwards — and help build your connection in the process.
Step Four: Use Movement to Reset Their Mood
Screens often create a kind of mental “slump” — especially if your child has been sitting still for a while. One of the fastest ways to shake that off is to get their body moving.
This doesn’t mean you need to start a full-blown PE class at home. Instead, think about active play that feels like fun — not a chore. A trampoline park visit, for example, provides an outlet for pent-up energy and improves mood, focus, and sleep. And best of all? It doesn’t feel like screen-free time. It just feels like play.
Step Five: Be a Little Sneaky (in a Good Way)
Sometimes, it helps to redirect your child’s attention without making a big deal of turning the screen off.
Example:
- “Let’s grab our bikes and ride to the bakery for a treat!”
- “I want to show you something I found outside!”
- “Can you help me test this new bubble recipe?”
If they’re caught up in the excitement of what’s next, they’ll be less focused on what they’re missing.
What If They Still Melt Down?
Even with your best efforts, sometimes the protests will come. That’s okay. It’s not a failure — it’s just part of helping your child learn new boundaries.
A few tips:
- Stay calm (easier said than done, we know)
- Acknowledge their feelings (“I know it’s hard to stop when you’re having fun”)
- Hold the line gently but firmly
- Keep the transition consistent — the more you practice, the easier it gets
Small Steps, Big Impact
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life overnight. Start with one consistent screen-free activity a day, then build from there. Look for ways to add fun, movement, and connection — and be patient with the process.
Over time, your child will learn that life away from the screen can be just as exciting — sometimes even more so.
And hey, the smile on their face after bouncing, laughing, and playing their heart out? That’s worth logging off for.
