Beyond the scroll: Transforming screen time into bonding time

Envision this...your kids are small, and you work from home. You start each day with the best intentions, determined to be that mom who doesn't rely on screen time. Ideally, the day would include educational activities, creative play and a few peaceful work hours. You think to yourself, “This isn’t so bad. I got this.” But as the clock ticks on and you’re on endless video calls, the reality of juggling work and little ones sets in. As the stress builds, you find yourself clicking on the TV or pulling out the iPad, telling yourself it’s just this once – until it becomes your daily saving grace.

Who knew “Paw Patrol” could be such a fantastic babysitter? And hey, if they learn about teamwork and problem-solving, that’s educational, right?

Welcome to the reality of parenting, where screen time shifts from being the enemy to an unexpected ally, helping you navigate the work-from-home chaos while keeping your sanity in check. Trust me, you're not alone; I have been there too.

"Screen time used to be the time when the screen door slammed behind me as I went outside to play." - Unknown

Today, my youngest daughter is a teenager, and the dynamics of screen time have completely changed. Gone are the days of TV worries, now replaced by smaller screens with endless TikTok and Snapchat scrolling. Like many parents, this new reality can be frustrating. Some days, the most effective strategy to get my daughter's attention is by... YELLING. Yes, yelling! Sometimes, it's the only thing that can snap her back to reality, and it usually works like a charm.

I’ll be honest, navigating this new digital landscape has been a challenge. Through this though, we stumbled upon an unexpected solution that brought her head out of her phone and us together — TV time. Yes, it's still a screen, but it felt like a lifeline that neither of us saw coming and has since become a cherished routine.

At night after dinner and homework are done, we sit together for an hour and watch a show. There are two genres we mostly watch: competition shows like "America’s Got Talent," “Holiday Baking Championship” and "Survivor," and dating shows such as "The Bachelor" and "Married at First Sight." Together, we cheer for the winner, debate over who should have received the rose, and sometimes even place playful bets on the last one standing.

Besides giving my daughter’s hands a break from continuous swiping and ensuring she is safely at home, this time together has proven even more valuable. It has opened the door to discussions on topics we might never have broached otherwise. Beyond just rooting for favorites, we delve into conversations about personal passions, relationships, decisions, and life lessons. I'm secretly proud she realizes that kissing 20 women in a row is not normal— Eeeeew! And it's NOT okay to base real-life expectations on what we see in these shows or TikTok videos. While it may be an unconventional way to bond, this has become a cherished part of our routine, bringing us closer and sparking meaningful discussions.

So, for any parent finding their way through the challenges of raising children, remember: sometimes, the things we worry about most, like screen time, can become unexpected opportunities that bring us closer. And who knows what the future will bring? In 10 years, you may be wishing your kids were just scrolling on their phones.

"Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, but sometimes the detours lead to the most beautiful destinations." - Unknown