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Screen Time, Not Scream Time: Raising Calm, Curious Children
- Presbyterian Preschool Services
- May 26
- 3 min read
How Little Steps Towards Less Screen Time Can Grow Stronger Children
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere—from learning to entertainment to social connection. But as many parents have discovered, scaling back screen time can lead to tears, tantrums, and plenty of resistance. How do we support our children through this transition without losing our minds—or our values?
In a recent episode of ParentEd by Focus on the Family, early childhood educator Alicia Yah, a mother of four, joined host June Yong to explore this very challenge. Their conversation offered gentle, practical, and hopeful insights for every parent navigating the emotional rollercoaster of screen time withdrawal. At Little Olive Tree, where we nurture children in Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, these lessons couldn’t be more timely.
The Struggle is Real—and Normal
Reducing screen time can feel like removing a favourite toy—times ten. Children may become restless, angry, or emotionally dysregulated. These are natural reactions. What they really need is what we value most at Little Olive Tree: Grace in transition, Grit in practice, and Growth in the heart.
Alicia reminds us that screentime withdrawal isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a growth opportunity—not just for our children, but for us too.
Practical Tips Rooted in Values
Start Small
Rather than a complete overnight cut, ease into it. Limit screen exposure gradually and replace it with rich, hands-on experiences. At LOT, we use loose parts play, outdoor exploration, and creative storytelling to fill these spaces meaningfully.
Invite, Don’t Impose
Children respond better when they feel involved. Let them help design the day’s rhythm: “After breakfast, what shall we do together—draw, build, or go outside?” This supports our value of Responsibility and encourages Executive Functioning as they learn to plan and decide.
Replace with Real Connections
Screens often substitute for boredom relief or attention. Replace them with time spent together—baking, gardening, dancing, or simply talking. These moments build Affection, one of our essential traits in cultivating loving, secure learners.
Be Consistent and Calm
Children thrive with consistency. As Alicia shares, holding firm (with warmth) helps children settle into new rhythms. This builds Grit—the capacity to keep going even when things aren’t easy.
Celebrate Progress
Affirm each small win. A child who chooses blocks over TV deserves a high-five! Positive reinforcement feeds confidence, self-awareness, and motivation—the seeds of Growth.
More Than Less Screentime—It’s More Hearttime
At Little Olive Tree, we believe that character is as important as content. Reducing screen time isn’t just about cutting back; it’s about creating space for wonder, interaction, and self-discovery. These are the foundations of lifelong learning.
By modelling Gratitude for the small things, exercising Grace when children struggle, advocating for Growth through challenges, and encouraging them to get their hands dirty (Grease)—we teach children not just to turn off the screen, but to turn on their minds, their hearts, and their hands.
Final Thought
In a culture that often celebrates quick fixes, our children need slow rhythms, patient guidance, and steady love. Screentime may be a part of our world, but it doesn’t need to rule it. As Alicia beautifully puts it, when we help children unplug, we’re really helping them connect—to people, to purpose, and to the joy of simply being children.
Let’s journey together—screens off, hearts on.
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