How to Get Your Child Off Screens
“Mom, can I have more screen time?”
Sound familiar? You know they’ve already had too much, but the requests keep coming. You don’t want to cave, but you also don’t want an all-out meltdown.
What if I told you there’s a better way—one that satisfies their craving for digital stimulation without screens?
✅ Engaging
✅ Educational
✅ Parent-approved
The answer? Podcasts for kids.
With thousands of high-quality kids’ podcasts out there, it’s easier than ever to find options they’ll love. Today, I’ll show you how to make podcasts a part of your child’s routine in just 3 easy steps.
Step 1: Replace Screen Time with Podcasts
Moderation and balance are key when it comes to screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
📌 1 hour per day for kids ages 2-5
📌 2 hours per day for kids ages 6-17
But let’s be real—those limits are hard to follow.
To make it easier, start by substituting screen time with podcast time.
Why podcasts?
✅ Encourage creative play while listening
✅ Get kids moving instead of sitting
✅ Keep their eyes rested (no more screen fatigue!)
✅ Offer educational value—kids’ podcasts tend to be more enriching than TV
My Favorite Educational Kids’ Podcasts:
🎧 Wow in the World (science fun)
🎧 Who Smarted? (quirky learning)
🎧 Greeking Out (for mythology-loving kids!)
⭐ Parenting Tip: If your goal is to cut from 4 hours of screen time to 2 hours, let them know they can listen to podcasts instead. This small shift makes the transition so much easier.
👉 Payoff: By swapping some screen time for podcasts, you’re keeping screen time within healthy limits while still engaging their young minds.
Step 2: Promote Independent Listening
If your kids rely on you to entertain them, podcasts can help them become more independent.
🛑 Remember when we had boom boxes and cassette tapes?
✅ Today, kids can control their own audio experiences with Alexa or smart speakers—and not just for music!
How Podcasts Encourage Independent Play:
✔️ Kids can listen while building Legos, tidying their room, or relaxing
✔️ It feels like a digital experience without screen time
✔️ Helps extend independent play sessions (a win for busy parents!)
⭐ Parenting Tip: Set up a kid-friendly podcast station with an Alexa device, Bluetooth speaker, or even an old iPod.
👉 Payoff: Podcasts encourage independence, help kids develop focus, and free up some much-needed time for you.
💬 Engagement: What are your favorite kids' podcasts? Drop them in the comments—I reply to every one!
Step 3: Listen Together in the Car
Ever taken a road trip (or just a short drive) with tired, cranky kids? 😵💫
Cue the chaos:
❌ Bickering
❌ Whining
❌ Seat-kicking and sibling poking
Podcasts = Car Ride Game-Changer
🎧 Keeps kids engaged and entertained
🎧 Cuts down on bickering and boredom
🎧 Makes the car feel less like a moving prison
⭐ Parenting Tip: Download a few episodes in advance and hit play as soon as you start driving. Instant calm!
🎙 Bonus: A Fun Family Experience
Podcasts can also be a great bonding activity. Pick a fun story or science-based show and discuss it later at dinner!
👉 Payoff: Fewer distractions for you, happier kids, and a stress-free drive.
Now that you know how to use podcasts to reduce screen time, make sure you check out my next video—How to End Screen Time Battles (Without a Fight!).
Keep up the good work on your amazing parenting journey!
