Screen Smarts: Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Tech

💻 Screen Smarts: Setting Healthy Boundaries Around Tech

By Caitlan Becker, Mini Me Yoga PA Ambassador & Mom of 3

As a mom of three beautiful kids, I know the reality of screen time all too well. Some days, it’s a lifesaver—buying you just enough time to prep dinner or take a breath. But over time, I’ve also seen how too much tech can leave my kids irritable, disconnected, and overwhelmed. What amazes me most, is that each of my children are unique in their response to screens as well.

If you’ve ever felt like screens are taking over your home, you’re not alone. And the good news is—you don’t need to toss every device out the window to make meaningful changes (although I've threatened and heavily considered it on several occasions). Setting healthy boundaries around screen time is not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional.

📱 Why Screen Time Needs a Rethink

Let’s be honest: screens are everywhere. Between school laptops/tablets, TV shows, video games, and YouTube, the average child in the U.S. spends 4–6 hours per day on a screen—and for teens, it’s even higher.

Too much screen time has been linked to:

• Trouble sleeping

• Increased anxiety and irritability

• Difficulty focusing and lower academic performance

• Less physical movement

• Delayed emotional regulation and social development

As a Mini Me Yoga Ambassador and a mom, I’ve seen firsthand how regular movement, mindfulness, and face-to-face connection can help counter these effects—but it starts with creating balance.

🔄 Small Shifts That Make a Big Impact

I've done some drastic things when it comes to controlling the screen time in my home. We have even given up all screens for lent (my son's idea, surprisingly). It was tough and extremely eye opening. The connection, fun, and calm it brought to our house was immeasurable, but.... not really sustainable.

Creating boundaries around screen use doesn’t have to mean a total tech detox. In fact, just a few consistent habits can help your child build a healthier relationship with screens.

Here are a few screen-smart strategies that have worked in our house post our 40 day fast:

1. Create Tech-Free Zones

Designate certain rooms or times as screen-free. For us, it’s the dinner table and bedrooms. Keeping screens out of these spaces protects family time and supports better sleep.

2. Use Timers (and Stick to Them!)

Set time limits for shows or games—and let your child know ahead of time. When the timer goes off, it’s done. This predictability helps reduce meltdowns and teaches boundaries. Many devices allow you to set time limits which is a huge help. My son reacts much better to "out of time" message on his tablet than the sound of a timer or us having to pry the device from his hands.

3. Replace Screens with Something Fun

Don’t just take the screen away—offer a fun, engaging alternative. A backyard nature scavenger hunt, some sidewalk chalk, or even a silly yoga pose challenge can shift the energy fast. In the beginning, it is normal for there to be combativeness. But as the new routines and options become habits, it gets much easier! So hang in there!

4. Model What You Want to See

This one’s tough (I’m still working on it), but our kids notice when we’re scrolling too. Try leaving your phone in another room for a while—you might be surprised how refreshing it feels!

5. Prioritize Real Connection

A little undivided attention goes a long way. Play a game, read together, or just chat about the day. These moments refill everyone’s emotional cup—and often reduce the begging for “just one more episode.” My husband and I are also mindful of setting one-on-one time with each of the kids. They enjoy our "dates" and special time together without the screens or distractions.

🧘‍♀️ Mini Me Yoga: Screen-Free, Soul-Filling Fun

Mini Me Yoga sessions are built on the belief that kids thrive when given space to move, breathe, and play. Our classes are completely screen-free and help children reconnect with their bodies and imaginations. It’s always amazing to watch a group of kids light up when they realize they don’t need a device to feel good.

Whether your child is high-energy, highly sensitive, or somewhere in between, giving them time away from screens—paired with movement and mindfulness—helps restore balance and boosts well-being.

Let’s Bring More Presence and Play into Your Home

Looking for a screen-free way to help your child calm their body and mind?
✨ Schedule a private Mini Me Yoga session with me today—perfect for a group of friends, a birthday celebration, or just a much-needed reset.

Together, we can reclaim calm, connection, and creativity—no batteries required.