It’s okay to have a little screen time, but kids still need lots of play, exercise, and sleep. Getting your grandkids to put down the tablet isn’t always easy—but don’t worry! Here are 19 fun and simple ways to help them take a break from screens. Ready for some great ideas? Let’s get started!
1. Set a Wi-Fi Curfew
Turn off the Wi-Fi at a set time each night. That way, everyone in the family has to find fun things to do without the internet—even parents and grandparents!
2. Explore and Sketch Nature
Go for a walk in nature, somewhere without Wi-Fi if possible. Bring paper and pencils to draw trees, flowers, or animals. It’s more fun than just taking pictures with a phone!
3. Talk at the Table
Make a rule: no phones at the table. Use mealtime to talk, laugh, and enjoy your food together. This special time helps everyone feel more connected and encourages kids to open up about their day.
4. Be a Role Model
Set a good example. Try using a screen-time app and set reminders to put your own phone down. When kids see you doing other things, they’ll want to join in too!
5. Trade Chores for Screen Time
Getting kids to stop using tablets and help with chores can be hard. Try this: let them earn screen time by doing jobs around the house. For example, they can get 10 minutes of tablet time for unloading the dishwasher, or 30 minutes for cleaning their room. A little reward can go a long way!
6. Swap Video Games for Board Games
Kids who love video games might enjoy a fun board game too. Show them classic games like Monopoly or Chess. Or try something unique, like these 20 nostalgic board games from your childhood!
7. Talk Openly About Screen Time
Have honest talks about screen use. Don’t make it sound like a punishment—just explain that the family wants to use screens a little less. Help kids understand why it’s important.
8. Keep Screens Out of Bedrooms
Make a family rule: no phones, tablets, or video games in bedrooms. This helps you see what your kids are doing and how long they’re online.
9. Track Screen Time Together
Start a screen-time journal for the whole family. Everyone writes down how much time they spend on screens each day. Then, talk about the results each week and set new goals to cut back.
10. Build in Real Life, Not Just in Minecraft
If your grandkids love Minecraft, challenge them to build something real every day. Use Legos, blocks, or other toys to create fun projects together!
11. Make Time for Real Books
Take a break from reading news and gossip online. Set aside 30 minutes each day as “bookworm time.” Get cozy, make a warm drink, and enjoy a good book! Here are 25 books that show the special bond between a grandmother and her grandchild.
12. Charge Devices in One Safe Spot
At night, charge all phones and tablets in your room—or another safe place. This keeps kids from sneaking them late at night or early in the morning.
13. Set Screen Limits with Apps
Use parental control apps to limit how much time kids can use their devices each day. These tools can also help you block certain apps during school hours or bedtime to keep routines on track.
14. Power Down Before Bed
Make sure kids stop using screens at least one hour before bedtime. This helps their minds relax so they can sleep better.
15. One Game at a Time Rule
Don’t let kids have too many games at once. Let them pick one game for the week. At the end of the week, they can either keep it or swap it for a new one! Here are the top 5 board games for grandparents and grandchildren.
16. Hourly Move-It Challenge
Set a fun exercise challenge during the day. At the start of every hour, everyone stops what they’re doing and does 20 jumping jacks! It helps kids keep track of time and gives everyone a break from screens.
17. Listen Instead of Look
Try listening to a family-friendly audiobook or podcast. If no one’s staring at a screen, it doesn’t really count as screen time!
18. Play Cards Together
Pick a half-hour each day to play a card game with the family—no phones allowed! Right after a meal is a great time. Try classics like Old Maid or Go Fish. For something new, try the Crazy Eights card game!
19. Stick With It
Changing screen habits takes time, so be patient. You don’t have to be perfect—just keep trying. Every step counts toward a happier and healthier family! Celebrate small wins together to keep everyone motivated and feeling proud.
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