SCREEN TIME AND HOMESCHOOL | I took away the screens | Homeschool | Homeschooling | Screen Time

Screen time can be a messy subject. Here's how I handed my kids' screen addiction in a few easy steps.
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[@mandy-maltz]

How do you handle screen time at home?

[@beth_faithful_heart]

We all struggle completely with screen time. I am researching on ways to help us with this addiction. Hubby and I both have agreed that we need to focus more on family and Jesus. Thank you for sharing your way of handling this issue.

[@mandy-maltz]

You can do it!

[@bu2ful119]

I noticed from an early age they would have a fit after even a short amount of screentime (like a science video). Screens stimulate the brain like sugar does. The kids would go through withdrawal when I turned it off! That was all the research I needed. I could see with my own eyes what it was doing to my kids brains. That was all the push I needed to get rid of the idiotbox.

[@GardenMinistry.]

Our home is one and a half stories, with a bonus room that is above the garage. We decided to move our TV from the main living room, to that bonus room, and the rules are that from monday through friday you aren't allowed to watch any screens, but on weekends you have a 2 hour screen privilege. This expectations are very clear, now instead of asking to watch screens, my littles will do puzzles, look at books, workbooks, play outside, be creative. It is a huge game changer for us! Great thing is that even though there are screen privileges on the weekends, we are usually out hiking, visiting grandma, or at church, so truly there isn't much screen time to speak of, this helps my daughters excel in literature, and it will help anyone who tries it!

[@mamainchristjesusofthechri9886]

That’s a great idea to move the tv away from the common area!

[@Mishwelly]

I did this too and it’s great :)

[@babybaby5893]

That’s what we do in our family that no any screen time during weekdays for our kindergarten. But I have to say I am very concerned how to implement this rules in the next years when their homework is assigned on thr chrome book which was given by the school. I am not happy for the school on this point.

[@jennc1516]

👏 We do limited screens, daily limits. I can definitely tell a difference if they had too much time on them. No personal cell phones till they're 16 and driving. Even then no social media. They're only kids once

[@seasonalliving2881]

I think you’re a wonderful mother and thank you for addressing this. I think it’s so sad how childhood is being robbed from these generations of children (mine included). As mothers, we want what’s best for our kids and the fight against these screens is so hard! They are everywhere!

[@mandy-maltz]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@sana409]

Thank you for your videos. I am Muslim and your videos help me to help my kids and my family. We all seem to be having the same problems now a days.

[@mandy-maltz]

Hi Sana! Thank you for your kind words ❤️

[@micah99taft]

This has been my family's biggest struggle. My son with autism has the hardest time. We need a big change...even my husband and I need limitations. I'm so glad you made this video..I really needed this.

[@thehonesthomeschooler]

I love how your husband and you were on the same page and led by example. I can relate to a lot in this video. Having dealt with health issues, tv has been a go to more than it should. Now I’m on the road to help my kids watch less screen time.

[@kayleighjohnson3612]

I feel this so deeply for my family. My kids are still little but they’ve become tv heads easily and my husband has got my 4 year old hooked on video games already. If I could do it over I’d say NO WAY. My hubby is so addicted to all media though, and he just doesn’t see it. I’ve really limited tv and games for the kids and I, but I worry how long it will last with my husband being so obsessed with tv, video games, and his phone. It’s seriously something that’s been constantly in my prayers, and for God to change my husbands mind on the subject. It’s funny your video came up right now.

[@tiffanyweber3028]

Yes I'm going through the same thing

[@sar6126]

That’s so hard I’m so sorry, I will keep you in prayer

[@doingmybest222]

Same

[@AboveAllisLove]

Same here! It has been a year since this comment has anything changed with your situation?

[@lydiafredericks3099]

Same here.

[@dreahart89]

Love this. I agree. 3 boys, they get 1 hr screens a day and have for years now, they know the rules and don't fight it anymore! Happy all around

[@crystaljordan7318]

The kids get 1 hour after all school work and chores are done. That can decrease incrementally as needed for motivation to change attitudes, etc. Works for us! We occasionally do a family movie night on Fridays. They always think that is a big deal. 😃

[@jessicastinson1165]

I am currently doing the same thing with my 3 young boys. I canceled the cable and internet last month and that has helped a lot but it’s time for phase 2. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@BBC600]

You cancelled the internet and yet you're writing on the internet. Isn't that a bit hypocritical?

[@ThisorThatFitness]

We took away the iPad from our oldest son a few years ago. Now he's just allowed to watch TV -- with heavy limitations on KZbin. We try to encourage other activities (painting, puzzles, outside time, etc.) so he doesn't get bored and want TV as much. Cheers! - Kaci

[@christyhintz5699]

I am so happy to see this video. We are on the struggle bus with screens. My husband doesn't agree with me, so it makes it challenging.

[@mandy-maltz]

I feel you, Christy! It makes it much easier when you're on the same page. Try making small changes and see if you can find some common ground ❤️

[@christyhintz5699]

@@mandy-maltz I am definitely going to change my ways. My husband travels for work a lot, so it's me and kiddo most days. If I limit myself hope it will help kiddo too.

[@avalle05]

It's sad that you are not the norm. We likewise have limited screentime. I literally use my watch to just be a timer for my kiddos, haha. Thanks for the encouragement! Limited screentime and more family time!!!

[@mandy-maltz]

I'm used to being the odd one out 😂 Luckily, I've found my tribe at church, my group, and youtube community. So I don't feel so "alone" anymore. ❤️

[@kathylovegrove4987]

That’s crazy 3rd graders with a phone. My 15 year old doesn’t have a phone 😳

[@feliciaknox3635]

This is something I have been struggling with. My daughter doesn't know how to play anymore. I struggle with depression and anxiety and I always give in. 😥 I am finally getting to where I can take better care of myself so I can care for her better...

[@mandy-maltz]

I know how that feels and I'm so sorry you're going through that. My oldest was like that, he had stopped playing and it broke my heart. Sending you lots of love ❤️ If you need a support system, our group is always here for you facebook.com/groups/369826030274134

[@feliciaknox3635]

@@mandy-maltz thank you! I'm already on there and absolutely love it!

[@einfach_mama_tina]

It's TV time from 6 oder 6.30pm to max. 8 pm together. Living room. Only TV. And the older kids 8 and 6 have game phones without a SIM card, which they can use on the weekends or when I need it quiet for the little one to take his nap in the afternoon. So there are rules but they are flexible for my benefit. Really annoying is, when the children are with friends to play and tell me afterwards that they watched TV there. We don't do that. When there are visitors, the TV stays off. You don't need friends to come over to watch TV..... I am glad that you have similar rules, because I think your parenting style is great! So...f*** the haters....you do a great job here! And thank you for all those imfotmative videos you make!

[@babybaby5893]

That’s my concern too. When friends especially boys are together, the watch Tv or talk or pls games. That’s why I keep my six year old boy busy with table games , paintings puzzles, story time with me after school and I don’t know how long he will be good like this. So far so good though mommy is very tired physically

[@GIGILSTEMActivitiesforKids]

This is such an important topic!! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@TheHappyHomeschooler]

What a great thing to do! Congratulations. :) I made a video about screenfree alternatives as well because I just can't believe how much time children spend on screens these days! It is a hard subject so good job being brave and admitting that they were addicted and doing something to change it. :)

[@margiedenavarre7919]

I am so impressed by you. Your commitment to doing the hard things for the benefit of your kids/family is so commendable. Good for you, Mom!

[@jessandjessica452]

Thank you for sharing this video! You are such an inspired mom.

[@stephaniestone4737]

Good job!! This was such a smart move on your part.

[@CD12VIDEOS]

Can you please do a video on what shows and movies you recommend for kids?

[@readingbliss2954]

Thank you for your video. I agree with you completely- so many other better uses of our time and healthier options to do for the brain, body, and family relationships. My home is divided as my hubby is very invested in his tv and thinks it’s fine whereas I think it would be better to do what you do. My husband works out of the home however so I am working on trying to find a balance between screen time when he isn’t home and when he is home to teach my kids that there is so much more to life than just tv! I do not allow TVs in the playroom or the kid’s bedroom and am trying to transition us out of the habit of watching tv while we eat. Very encouraging video and thank you again for sharing. :)

[@mamainchristjesusofthechri9886]

Good job mama.

[@mariahbaker7272]

Great video! I have a 6,4,3,10month old. We moved the tv to the basement and it changed everything. Kids are not allowed on the tv till 2pm for quiet time and then off by dinner. Most days they don't watch it at all! Especially in good weather. I love watching where their imaginations take them as they think of games to play and things to create!

[@rebegre]

Thank you for sharing, this is such a great encouragement.

[@beatrizramos1177]

I’m totally agreed with you.The tv,phone and games have supervised and limited,and we need (the parent)show the example.My daughter is the only kids in the classroom that don’t have cellphone.Thanks for the video.God bless you and your family!!

[@mandy-maltz]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@simplyraisingarrows7369]

Our boys are also addicted and we have cut back so so much and it's changed our homeschool.

[@HoneyBoyleFamily]

thanks for sharing your view it it is such an eye opener

[@nancyhansen7103]

This is helpful. Our kids don’t get a cell phone until Sophomore year.

[@babybaby5893]

Love this video soooo much.

[@shimaomer8913]

You are amazing and a strong mother. Great job !! I am in the process of limiting this screening thing. It is literally destroying our kids behaviour. Thank you for you great video

[@maryhoffman9551]

Screen addiction is real. Thank you for sharing your family’s experience. We also limit screen time, by age, and sometimes take a break from screens if it’s needed. Until our teens are 18 they turn their phones and laptops in at night - otherwise they would never sleep.

[@kathylovegrove4987]

This helped so much

[@sgtigereye]

I was the last person in my friends group to get a smart phone. I remember calling people with smartphones addicted, I avoided getting one because I didn’t want to turn into these smartphone zombies. Ten years ago I finally got one and I became one of those people. I remember being sad seeing all my friends that way and now I fight with myself all the time because I know how bad it is for me. As an adult it’s hard and I want to do better for my new baby. We will be limiting her time using screens and I am already trying hard to not be in a screen around her.

[@lovely4833]

Yes! We skipped screen time detox this year and I’m regretting it. It was something we’d do before start of school for 30 days. We’re going to start it for the month of November to get us on track.

[@mandy-maltz]

I totally understand. Detoxing is hard but worth it!

[@lovely4833]

Yes, we do limit to only Pureflix for shows and a few select movies on dvd like magic school bus or leap frog type, but I think with weather in Florida finally getting out of the high 90’s it’s time.

[@hannahbaker2856]

Our little is not quite a year old, but we knew from the start that we want to homeschool and keep a screen-limited or screen-free house. Two things really helped us for the last couple of months: (1) starting evening devotions after the little one goes to bed (and after that I'm too tired for us to sit up and watch a show together); (2) realizing that the only good place for the Christmas tree is where the TV normally sits. The TV is now down in the basement, where we rarely go. Plus side: once we take the tree down in a few days, the bookshelves behind it will be even more accessible!

[@oneblessedmommy4024]

We need to do this.... It takes 21 days to make a habit and 21 days to break the habit. I think a 3 week challenge for our family would be awesome! And interesting 😂 I personally hate electronics...I'm not good on them to be honest. It's not my strong point, lol. But, movies...yes. The kids don't have phones or ipads etc but they do have hand held game systems. We own 2 laptops, used for work and school purposes only. We don't even do social media except youtube 🤣

[@babybaby5893]

Same here.

[@angelicaclaudio-cortes6952]

We got a little screen dependent because I had babies back to back and was just too tired. I've been weaning my girls from it lately, though, because I want them to play together again. But it was really just television for us (PBS kids, Disney, & Netflix).

[@Blessednesting]

We don’t even own a television thankfully and I don’t want one. Our phones take up too much time alone. I allow the kids to watch only certain things on the iPad and they can go up to a couple weeks without it. I do use it to give myself a break here and there when I can’t handle the noise or the bickering. It just depends on how overwhelmed I feel. 😬 I grew up without one until I was 11.5 and I wish my parents had never gotten one.

[@homeschoollifemom]

Couldn’t agree more. I had a fit when I found out my husbands niece had an iPhone with Snapchat and the whole 9 yards at age 8! Blown away but I guess it’s the normal these days. We don’t have any hard and fast rules but i limit their screen time and don’t see any need for them to have a cell phone until they have a job or are driving.

[@SafiyyahIsBored]

but it think phones are good for when u take them to family home and places alone alot or when your in a shopping place and they end up getting lost they can call you

[@princessgemz271]

Im on the same boat as many parents here. I’m trying so hard to limit screen time but they do use it for some homeschool classes. The hardest part at the moment is that I’ve got a 2 month old and I’m still struggling to get a good flow going with our days. I am currently sick as well. My kids will be done with school and casually click into a game or movies once they are done with their school work. I have been struggling to limit their screen time but it feels like an uphill battle.

[@peregrinosdelamorsanto7799]

I think you did a great decision for your family. I homeshool too and I only give them permission to watch a Christian program and a homeshool program somedays of the week. This helps a lot keeping them interested on homeshool and enjoy their time together.

[@joyswenson7941]

I taught middle/high school from 2006 - May 2023, so I had a front row seat to the rise in technology & how kids reacted to it. The fancier & more connected phones became, the less they paid attention- not just from dumb videos or texting, but also “I don’t need to pay attention in class because I can just look it up on Tik Tok & learn the same thing.” Upon returning from the pandemic, the apathy & lack of response (doesn’t mean some of them weren’t paying attention, it just wasn’t showing) is just mind boggling. Almost everyday for the 22-23 school year, I fantasized rolling all the kids’ phones over with a steam roller. This experience directly affects how I parent my kids in regards to electronics and now that I’m home full time with them, I’ve got the brain capacity & strength to more forcefully implement screen restrictions.

[@rachela.5311]

I will never regret limiting my children's access to screens. I highly highly highly recommend the book Glow Kids.

[@highhopesbarbie]

Thank you! Glad to know we aren't the only family who restricts screentime!! It's very hard in this culture to do this.. Others think we are crazy & too strict!! And because our kid's friends don't have a limit, our kids feel very deprived!!! 😭😭😭. It's a struggle.

[@jhaub305]

It is hard, but the older they get the more conversations you can have about the whys and how they can navigate healthy habits in adulthood. I have 2 teens now and they seem to appreciate the choices we’ve made.

[@highhopesbarbie]

@@jhaub305 Good to hear!

[@brittanywalker5079]

So as a mom of a 4th grade girl and a kindergarten boy, I wanted to change some rules in my own house. We have carpet, we eat snacks in the livingroom plus our lunches on the weekend. Guess what??? Our floors are Filthy. I shampooed them with a commercial shampooer and made the simple rule of no eating I the livingroom. Well, with my kinder, I never realized how much he was actually addicted to TV until I pulled eating in the livingroom. He started choosing not to eat, so he could watch TV. I could not even bargin with him. (Pause your show and watch it after you ate. Etc.) With my 4th grader, I realized she carries her tablet EVERYWHERE. She'll ne on it from the time she gets home from school until she falls asleep at night. Both kids even fall asleep to tv. I NEED to change these habits. Your video has inspired me so much. Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@lycajavaid-riaz3239]

True

[@krystallos81]

The hard thing for my daughter is that she is homeschooled, but she’s an input child. We live near a small town and I work during the day. So it’s hard to find other kids for her to talk to. She has a few friends online through a game, but I limit screen time. I still want to do more though because I work on the computer a lot and my phone. So I’m trying to figure out a good balance to get both of us not concentrated on screens as much.

[@joyfullyhomeschoolingboys]

that's me right now. when you play set a timer otherwise I get busy and forget and they play too much. We have a limit during the week, the weekend not really because we try to be outdoors. Normally it's an hour of tv, an hour of games.

[@J-M-S_Abstracts]

We don’t have kids but we also decided to put limits on are electronics like no screens after 8pm just books and that helps us fall asleep quicker and no screens when we wake up we do devotionals instead it really does improve your relationship

[@schoki4me507]

My husband and I do not see eye to eye on this topic at all unfortunately. Unfortunately I will have to find a way to limit my kids screen time by myself. I've put my foot down for screen free dinners but since we fight a lot about all sorts of things I do not have the endurance to fight for screen free weeks for the whole family. I would love to.

[@gisellecarr2099]

We also have limits. some times I fail and I get distracted and he take advantage and continues with more time (I need to work on that) pray for me lol. But usually he isn't allowed to start his day with screen time, he isn't allow to have screen time after school unless all work is finished and screen time can only add up to 2 hours max. Question to you or anyone one that wants to answer. What are your thoughts on roblox? The way the girls dress on there is crazy....

[@priscillaramos3033]

My 3 yr old and 5 yr old have tablets and they use them but they have limits, they can only use them in the afternoon when they have finished school and there rooms are clean and they have completed their chores.

[@shannonedwards3639]

Way to go mom 👍we always set limits as we are a good support on well rounded opportunities to choose from other then just tablets .we did a similar challenge with our kids age's two 9 and 16 and they did great. We now however only allow our kids to earn mins for Friday and behavior earns them Sunday electrics. We found this to be so helpful as our kids now do things to be more helpful though the house and behavior towards others have improved. We also don't allow them to have cell phones our oldest has a watch though for calls and text only. We believe in imagination and building that bond between siblings is important and having family time to talk and play games and do things together is quality time that wort last forever.. way to go .. your right though to be strong 💪 those first week is key on kids complaining they are bored sometimes is ok for kids to be bored to learn how to come up with things to do

[@kalonmontgomery8213]

When my eldest was born, we didn't have a TV in the apartment. It was the best thing. It required me to get creative. I read chapter books to her when she was a few months old. I also worked on developmental milestones with her. It changed when my parents visited and saw we didn't have a TV. They asked if we wanted their old TV. I was against it, but my husband was for it. Things changed after that. I plead my case to my husband about having a TV in the house and we are still on two different pages. He feels there needs to be one. I've been addicted to screens from youth. My parents gave me a TV at two. Per my mom it was because she wanted to watch her shows and didn't want to watch kids shows all day. She even disagreed when I told her my children couldn't have tvs or other electronic devices. Her comment was, "You had a TV." I've also been thinking of getting rid of my smartphone for a flip phone or a phone that's not connected to the internet. Thank you for making me feel like I'm not alone.

[@chantellenolan]

Did you ever end up getting a flip phone?

[@kalonmontgomery8213]

@@chantellenolan I didn't.

[@chantellenolan]

@@kalonmontgomery8213 aww man I need someone with insight! lol. I keep talking about ditching the phones......

[@kalonmontgomery8213]

@@chantellenolan I still need help myself, honestly.

[@Creative_cloud17]

What are some tv shows do you recommend for 11 year olds?

[@lorimast]

I’m failing at this. I’ll be honest I’m addicted to KZbin. I’m cutting out different subscriptions but it’s still a lot. I have no clue what we would do without screens. I’m taking college classes and my daughter has homeschool curriculum online. This sounds really scary.

[@mandy-maltz]

I work online. I'm an influencer, a KZbinr, and I run another business helping business owners with their businesses. It's SO hard for me to limit myself.

[@TreenThomas]

There are great options for "dumb" phones. They have no internet access at all. This is what I use for my teenager. It allows them to have a phone that looks and feels like a smart phone, without having to use a flip phone. Gabb wireless is what we chose. Its the phones that are destroying our kids these days 😢

[@jhaub305]

Yes! My high schooler has a Gabb phone & we love it.

[@ericamonite3112]

hi i need help with algebra and gemontry grade 5 and 8 level can you help

[@mandy-maltz]

Hi! I'd suggest Teaching Textbooks for both grades.

[@ericamonite3112]

@@mandy-maltz thanks

[@ReiverGrad14]

I wish I could take away all screens but when my son gets back from his dad's I have to start all over again... every week

[@tylersingleton9284]

We don't have a limit on quantity of time, but I heavily enforce quality and setting. Only in the living room, and no touch screens. Basically anything geared towards kids I do not trust. No KZbin Kids, no Disney+, no Netflix kids. My son knows to stay away from laugh tracks, one-liner scripts, and cartoons drawn with 4 fingers. Pacing should be scrutinized as well as artistic style. He even filters by year, as anything newer than 2017 is less likely to be safe. Profanity is not usually allowed, and pop culture is discouraged. Putting up boundaries while allowing for limitless alternatives I hope will help him make good decisions when I am not around.

[@emilyroseellis]

[@pinkorganichorse]

We should be neighbors.

[@dumbphonemom]

Kids just want to be with their mom; they want the attention. My kids would watch absolutely zero TV if I spent 100% of my time doing things with them. I let them watch after dinner.