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In today’s world, screens often become the go-to solution to keep kids occupied, especially when parents need a few quiet moments. But what if there was another way? One mum, known for her limited-screen approach, constantly gets asked the same question: “If you’re not using screens, how do you keep your little ones entertained?”
Her approach is all about filling that gap with intentional, low-tech strategies designed to foster creativity and independence, giving her kids the tools they need to thrive as they grow.
With her two young children, Cooper and Summer, she’s found ways to make independent play a natural part of their day. As @KalaN commented on one of her posts, “Seriously love y’alls parenting so much. It’s so interactive, so intentional and going to be a major benefit for your littles when they’re older.”
Through a blend of thoughtfully arranged play area, engaging toys, and a lot of interactive narration, this mum’s approach proves that screen-free parenting can be both achievable and beneficial. Let’s explore how she does it and why this method has become a beloved approach in her family.
For babies and toddlers like her son Cooper, keeping them engaged often comes down to designing a safe and captivating environment nearby. When Cooper was younger, she would set up a play area close to where she was working—such as in the kitchen while cooking dinner.
This setup, while simple, allowed her to keep an eye on him while giving him a bit of independence. ‘Engagement is everything,’ said @Fred-AStar, and she agrees wholeheartedly, curating an environment that offers just enough stimulation to keep her little one happy and curious.
Inside this little play area, she always includes a few core items. First, there’s a familiar book—one of Cooper’s “core books” that he’s enjoyed time and again. It’s a story she could probably recite by heart, and if he’s interested, she’ll narrate parts of the book from across the room. Another favourite is a low-tech toy called Learning Friends : “My First 100 Words” by Leapfrog.
The interactive, sensory aspects of this toy keep him engaged, allowing him to explore different shapes, colours, and animals in both English and Spanish. Alongside these essentials, she’ll add a couple of soft toys, like blocks or puppets, to round out the setup.
By providing just a few engaging options, she avoids overwhelming him while keeping him occupied. This gentle approach fosters Cooper’s sense of independence, allowing him to explore and engage with the world around him on his own terms.
One of her favourite tools for connecting with her children is simply narrating her daily activities. While Cooper plays in his setup, she’ll talk to him about what she’s doing in the kitchen, saying things like, “Mummy’s boiling the water. Can you see the steam coming from the pot?” or “Do you hear the pasta shake, shake, shake?” She might even invite him to “shake” his imaginary box of pasta.
This conversational narration is a simple way to build language and connection. It takes everyday moments and turns them into valuable learning experiences, bridging the gap between her activities and her children’s world of play. Over time, these small interactions help Cooper develop language skills and grow more connected to the routine, feeling more engaged and less reliant on screens for entertainment.
Of course, the adjustment to screen-free play wasn’t instant. At first, Cooper found it challenging, and there were some frustrated moments. But as one of her followers, @Janyl Smith, commented, “We’re not afraid of tears in my house —lol—they adapt 😂.” It’s true—children are incredibly resilient, and with time, Cooper grew more accustomed to independent play. Now, he’s much more comfortable exploring on his own, knowing that his mum is right nearby.
As children grow, their play changes too. Now that Summer, her four-year-old, is in preschool, she’s all about imaginative play. After a structured day of teacher-led instruction, Summer craves time to immerse herself in her own little world. This is when independent play shines, giving her a chance to create freely.
When her mum is cooking, Summer often appears dressed as a princess or doctor, leading her stuffed animals through elaborate stories. For her, this playtime is an escape, a chance to explore ideas on her own terms. It also provides her mum with some much-needed space to focus on Cooper, who still needs closer supervision. Independent play helps Summer practise autonomy while deepening her sense of creativity—a quality her mum nurtures through encouragement and a screen-free environment.
Creating this safe, open space allows Summer to explore without interruption, knowing her mum is there if she needs help. As she plays, her imagination grows, and her mum feels grateful for this time when Summer can engage with her own world, independent of screens and devices.
For parents looking to reduce screen time, this mum emphasises the importance of patience and consistency. As she shares, it wasn’t always easy. When Cooper and Summer were transitioning away from screens, there were tears and difficult moments as they adjusted to playing without a digital fix. But over time, they adapted, discovering a new sense of joy and engagement that screens couldn’t replicate. Children are resilient, and by introducing toys that spark curiosity, parents can help kids build confidence in independent play.
As one parent mentioned in the comments, this intentional, interactive approach is a true investment. It’s about helping children develop skills that will carry them into the future—skills like problem-solving, creativity, and patience. By sticking with this screen-free approach, she’s seen her children become more independent, imaginative, and connected to the world around them.
By crafting a screen-free environment, this mum has watched her family bond in ways she hadn’t expected. Without the distraction of screens, they spends more quality time together, building memories that will last. Her kids are happier, more imaginative, and more engaged with everyday activities. And while there are certainly challenging days, she feels the rewards are worth it, watching her children learn to find joy and excitement in simple things, like shaking a box of pasta or flipping through a beloved book.
Ultimately, she believes that every family can benefit from creating these screen-free moments. It doesn’t take fancy toys or constant attention; it’s about choosing a few thoughtful options, guiding children gently, and letting them grow at their own pace. Her experience has shown that even small changes can have a big impact on children’s creativity, independence, and family connections.
© Mindsmaking 2024
