Breaking the Screen Habit: 7 Simple Swaps Every Parent Can Try
May 23, 2025
Break the Screen Habit – 7 Easy Play Swaps for Kids That Really Work
Screens have a way of creeping into everyday life, from quick videos during meals to long stretches of tablet time “just to keep them occupied.” But while screens may seem like the easiest option, they often come at the cost of focus, sleep, imagination, and emotional balance.
The good news? You don’t need a full-screen detox to regain control. You just need better alternatives, and a few playful swaps.
At Little Gliders, we believe in replacing screen habits with engaging, developmentally beneficial play that doesn’t feel like a downgrade. Here are seven easy screen swaps that work in real homes, with real kids.
1. Swap the Tablet for a Jump Spot
The Screen Habit
Tablets often lead to long stretches of stillness, where children sit and swipe with minimal engagement. What seems like harmless entertainment can gradually replace opportunities for movement, creativity and self-regulation.
The Swap
Replace that passive sitting with a soft, padded Jumpspot. It’s compact, stylish and designed for safe indoor bouncing, making it ideal for energetic little ones who need an outlet.
Why It Works
Jumping helps children release tension, improve balance and strengthen their core,all while supporting better focus and emotional calm. Instead of zoning out, they become more aware of their bodies, more centred and far more ready to engage with the rest of the day.
🏆 Our Pick: Jupiduu Indoor Jumpspot
2. Swap the Game App for a Wall Bar Challenge
The Screen Habit
Fast-paced app games offer bright colours, quick reactions and instant rewards. While exciting, they often overstimulate the nervous system and teach children to expect fast feedback without real effort.
The Swap
Introduce a compact wall bar or indoor climbing frame. These offer simple yet engaging physical challenges that your child can return to again and again.
Why It Works
Climbing, hanging and balancing help develop strength, spatial awareness and resilience. The effort involved creates a natural dopamine response, supporting focus and confidence without overstimulation. Children learn to work through challenges at their own pace, without needing digital applause.
🏆 Our Pick: FitWood TAIMI Wall Bars
3. Swap Animated Storytime for a Cosy Reading Nook
The Screen Habit
Story-based cartoons or audiobook animations may seem like a gentle way to relax, but the flashing visuals and quick transitions can actually delay sleep and overstimulate the brain.
The Swap
Set up a cosy, low-sensory reading corner. This could include an indoor swing, a soft beanbag and a few favourite books, all arranged to encourage slow, quiet time.
Why It Works
This kind of environment supports imagination, language development and emotional bonding. It encourages children to slow down and engage with stories in their own time, creating healthier associations with rest and routine, especially at bedtime.
🏆 Our Pick: FitWood KUMPU Montessori Bookshelf
4. Swap Tapping for Building
The Screen Habit
Many learning apps rely on repetitive tapping and bright feedback. While they may seem educational, they tend to encourage short bursts of attention and shallow engagement.
The Swap
Offer construction toys such as building blocks, puzzles or stackers. These invite deeper thinking, trial-and-error and creativity, all through hands-on play.
Why It Works
Building encourages persistence, problem-solving and fine motor development. It gives children the chance to explore without pressure and to create something they can be proud of. The satisfaction comes from what they build, not what the screen gives them.
🏆 Our Pick: Gonge Build N' Balance Creative Set
5. Swap Videos for Role Play
The Screen Habit
Pretend-play videos and cartoons take children through stories someone else has written. They become observers rather than creators, watching characters instead of becoming them.
The Swap
Bring out role play toys like a toy kitchen, a desk setup or a miniature market. These simple tools open the door to imagination-led storytelling and creative expression.
Why It Works
When children create their own stories, they build vocabulary, confidence and emotional understanding. Role play is also a powerful way for them to process real-life experiences and practise empathy in a low-pressure, playful setting.
🏆 Our Pick: Winther Construction Bundle Set
6. Swap Sit Time for Scoot Time
The Screen Habit
After school or nursery, it’s common to offer screens as a way to relax. But hours of sitting in class followed by more sitting on a sofa can quickly lead to restlessness, irritability and poor sleep.
The Swap
Use an indoor ride-on or compact scooter to reintroduce movement into the end-of-day routine. Even a few loops through the hallway can make a big difference.
Why It Works
Scooting engages the full body and supports coordination and balance. It’s a fun, fast way to reset the nervous system, improve mood and support better transitions into evening routines like dinner or bedtime.
🏆 Our Pick: Li-Fe 120 Pro Kids Electric Scooter
7. Swap Screen Rewards for Creative Challenges
The Screen Habit
Screens are often used as bribes, something to earn after chores or good behaviour. But when the reward is always a device, it reinforces the idea that screens are the only thing worth working toward.
The Swap
Replace screen-based rewards with interactive challenges or creative tasks. Sticker charts, puzzle completions or timed obstacle runs can all become part of a fun reward system.
Why It Works
This shift helps build intrinsic motivation. Children begin to take pride in their efforts, not just the prize. Over time, they become more resilient, more curious and more capable of enjoying the process, not just the outcome.
🏆 Our Pick: Use the FitWood NUPPU Rocking Horse + Desk
Bonus: Read why your kid needs a dedicated desk.
Start Small. Play Big.
Reducing screen time doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with one toy. One moment. One better option.
At Little Gliders, we’ve handpicked beautiful, movement-rich toys that support your child’s mind, body, and imagination, without the need for a screen.
Try a swap today, and watch the difference unfold.
Explore our Playtime Essentials, Indoor Movement Toys, and Sensory Play Collections now.
