By: Molly O'Shea, MD, FAAP
When the weather keeps your family cooped up week after week, it's not just the kids who get a little stir crazy. A few hours of extra screen time can be a lifesaver—but when hours turn into days, and days turn into weeks? That's another story.
It's no secret that pulling kids away from tech isn't always easy and can create strong
emotions. But with a little planning and a lot of consistency, it
is possible to reset or develop better media habits.
Step 1: Make a family media plan—together
Unless your kids are too young to have an opinion (or a strong one!), which is typically under age 5, bring them into the
conversation. Sit down with your partner or other caregivers—and yes, the kids—and come prepared. Have something to keep hands busy while you talk (think coloring books, building bricks such as Legos or popcorn for stringing into necklaces, for example).
Use the
Family Media Plan to guide your discussion. Set some clear tech-free times and limits for weekdays, weekends and school breaks. And don't forget to include the grown-ups—this is a family plan, after all.
It isn't about banning screens altogether. It's about balancing them with creativity, connection and a little good old-fashioned boredom.
Step 2: Build an "I'm bored" jar
Pull out some colored paper and brainstorm activity ideas together. Let each person contribute: solo activities, sibling/group activities and parent-kid options. Use different colors for each category and drop them into their own jars or bins. When someone's at loose ends, point them toward the right jar and let them pick a surprise.
Step 3: Stick with it
Sticking with your plan is often the hardest part. But, even when you're tired, even when the kids push back—especially then—stick to the plan. Consistency pays off.
At the beginning, it helps to create small incentives or family celebrations to keep everyone motivated. If your family loves Taco Tuesday and it's Saturday, enjoy an extra taco night to celebrate your day, for example. Or if your kids really enjoy pretending the tub is a swimming pool but you prefer
bath time quick and splash free, let them have some fun in the tub to celebrate their day.
Need
ideas to get started? Here are a few:
Solo activities
Build with blocks, magnetic tiles or Legos
Color, paint or try a drawing challenge (e.g. "draw with your non-dominant hand")
Create a craft or DIY project (e.g. cardboard creations, paper weaving)
Listen to music or try an audiobook
Make up a song or sound effects story
Start a comic strip or graphic novel
Read, look at books or make a mini book of your own
Invent a dance or follow a movement video
Design a vehicle, building, game or gadget
Cook or prep something simple (fruit kabobs, trail mix, toast art)
Make a paper airplane fleet and test for distance
Try a brain teaser or logic puzzle
Build a marble run or domino trail
Group kid activities
Make a blanket fort or indoor tent city
Create a "Chopped"-style pantry cooking challenge (pretend only!)
Turn a room into an obstacle course or animal movement path
Play "The Floor is Lava," hide-and-seek, or freeze dance
Choreograph a TikTok-style dance (just for fun or to share)
Make paper basketball or sock toss games
Host a silly talent show or lip sync battle
Try a scavenger hunt around the house
Do a "guess the sound" challenge (blindfolded, with safe objects)
Create a story one sentence at a time
Parent-child activities
Cook or bake together (pick a new recipe or an old favorite)
Take apart an old appliance or broken toy—talk about what's inside
Rearrange or redecorate a room together
Do a closet clean-out and host a pretend fashion show
Work on a jigsaw puzzle or build something together (e.g. birdhouse, shelf)
Have a spa night—foot soaks, hand massages, face masks (kid-safe)
Write letters to friends or relatives
Look through old photos and make a mini scrapbook
Do a family drawing or mural project
Take a walk and play "I Spy" or a sensory scavenger hunt
Remember
When kids and families spend less time on screens, creativity often blossoms. Kids learn how to manage boredom and get comfortable with their own thoughts, lessoning the need for parents to constantly entertain them. Seeing adults engage in activities that bring them joy or help manage boredom without screens is a great lesson. And, co-viewing or engaging in activities together helps family connections grow.
Cold weather? Bring it on!
More information
About Dr. O'Shea
Dr. Molly O'Shea is a practicing pediatrician and independent practice owner. Her practices, Birmingham and Campground Pediatrics, have behavioral health integration and serve families in southeast Michigan. Dr. Molly has been involved in the American Academy of Pediatrics throughout her career as a journal editor, national CME planner and faculty member. An ambassador for the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, she provides information to parents, educators, pediatricians and media outlets about the impact of social media on youth and tools to keep kids safe and healthy in the digital age. Dr. Molly is known for her ability to connect with audiences. She gives practical, evidence-based strategies with humor and heart. You can see Dr. Molly on her local CBS affiliate where she is featured on the morning news program talking about health and wellness. In her Free time, Dr. Molly loves to cook, swim and do the
New York Times puzzles.
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