When it comes to screen time, we moms know how it goes—a mix of entertainment and, admittedly, a few moments to get things done without little ones clinging to our legs. However, like many parents, I’ve wondered if I could make screen time work in my favor, turning it into something more than just a distraction for my kids. Could I make it a tool for learning and growth? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes! There are many ways to make screen time meaningful, and I’ve found a few practical ways to help make it engaging and educational. Here’s what I’ve learned and how you can give your child screen time with a purpose!

1. Choose Educational Apps with Intent

The first step to making screen time more purposeful is exploring educational apps. I make it a point to pick apps that focus on skills I’d like to see my child develop, such as math, reading, or even creativity. There are tons of options, so it helps to read reviews or download a trial before committing to any paid ones. For instance, apps like Khan Academy Kids and ABCmouse are wonderful for younger children, offering a wide range of activities across subjects. If you have an older child, you might try Duolingo for language learning or BrainPOP for more interactive educational content.

2. Find TV Shows that Spark Curiosity

Not all TV shows are created equal, and there are a lot out there designed to be both entertaining and educational. Shows like “Sesame Street” or “Bluey” engage young minds while teaching social skills and emotional intelligence. For slightly older kids, programs like “The Magic School Bus” or “Wild Kratts” are fantastic—they inspire curiosity about science and nature in fun and adventurous ways. One trick I use is to ask my kids questions about the episodes they watch or let them tell me the “coolest” thing they learned. This gets them reflecting on what they watched and encourages them to think more deeply.

3. Set Up Co-Viewing Sessions

Watching shows or exploring apps alongside your child can make screen time more interactive and impactful. Co-viewing gives me a chance to guide them, offer extra information, and answer any questions that come up. It also strengthens our bond as we’re sharing an experience together. Sometimes we watch a documentary or educational program, and I pause to discuss or clarify things in a way they understand. Co-viewing doesn’t have to be every time they’re in front of a screen, but when I can, it turns screen time into something we both learn from and enjoy together.

4. Encourage Interactive Screen Time Activities

There’s screen time where the kids passively watch, and then there’s screen time where they’re actively participating. Interactive games and apps can make screen time feel less like downtime and more like productive play. For example, Minecraft offers a “creative mode” that promotes problem-solving, creativity, and planning. Another favorite in my house is Osmo, a series of educational games that combines physical play with digital learning, like drawing or counting games that adapt as your child progresses. These types of activities are hands-on and much more engaging than just watching a show or video.

5. Set Goals for Learning

Creating a sense of achievement is one way to make screen time feel like a win-win. Before starting a new game or app, I set little goals with my child, like completing a certain level, learning five new words, or finishing a specific number of exercises. This encourages kids to stay focused on the purpose of the app and also helps us track progress over time. It can be rewarding for both of us to see that their screen time is really helping them grow.

6. Incorporate Screen Time into Routine Learning

Another way to add value to screen time is to tie it into other learning experiences at home. For instance, after watching a cooking show for kids, we head to the kitchen and try making a recipe together. When my child finishes a drawing app, I set up some art supplies so they can try sketching on paper. Making these connections between what they watch or play and real-life activities can reinforce learning and make it stick.

7. Use Screen Time for Creative Expression

Screen time doesn’t have to be all about academics; it can also be a powerful tool for creative expression. Drawing apps, music-making tools, and video editing software allow kids to make art, write songs, and create stories. It’s amazing how many apps encourage this sort of exploration. My child loves Toca Boca apps, which focus on creativity and storytelling. Sometimes we even make short family videos together where everyone gets to join in, adding fun and imagination to the mix. It’s about making screen time a space for creativity and discovery, not just passive watching.

8. Incorporate Physical Movement

I know, screen time is usually associated with being sedentary, but there are actually ways to keep kids moving! Apps like GoNoodle and games like Just Dance or Ring Fit Adventure are perfect for those rainy or cold days when outdoor play isn’t an option. These apps make exercise fun and get kids dancing, jumping, and moving. When my little ones need to burn off energy, these apps are a lifesaver. They combine the appeal of screen time with the benefits of physical play, making it the best of both worlds.

9. Set Reasonable Time Limits

We all know that too much screen time isn’t ideal, no matter how educational it is. Setting limits has been essential in our household to keep things balanced. I try to schedule screen time around other activities like outdoor play, reading, and chores. In our home, screen time feels like a reward after finishing homework or helping with small tasks, and this makes it something they look forward to and appreciate. I’ve found that around 30 minutes to an hour of focused, intentional screen time works well for our family, but every household is different. Finding a routine that balances screen time with other activities makes it even more enjoyable and impactful.

10. Encourage Screen-Free Follow-Up Activities

Finally, after a great educational screen session, I encourage my kids to do a follow-up activity related to what they learned. If they’ve watched a nature show, we might go on a little nature walk around the yard, looking for plants or bugs we learned about. If they’ve played a game about letters or numbers, we might play a quick counting or word game at the table. These follow-ups help reinforce what they learned and keep their minds engaged.

Wrapping It Up

Screen time is here to stay, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s up to us to find ways to use it positively, to teach, inspire, and entertain our kids while supporting their development. With the right balance and a little guidance, screen time can be more than a distraction; it can be a tool that enriches their learning experience. As moms, it feels good knowing that the time our kids spend on their screens isn’t just a break for us but is helping them grow and explore the world around them in fun and meaningful ways. So next time you’re setting up a tablet or turning on a show, remember, it’s all about purpose!