--- title: 5 Ways to Limit Screen Time for Kids You Probably Haven't Tried Yet description: Our devices can be very helpful but not when our kids become too disconnected. Here are some ideas to limit screen time you probably haven't tried yet. image: https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/AVID4_Mill_Valley_281%20(1)-1.jpg --- **[What's new about camp in 2024?](https://avid4.com/2024)** [COVID RESPONSE](https://avid4.com/summer-updates/covid-19-policies) [Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew) [Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) [Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-open.svg) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-close.svg) [![](https://avid4.com/img/avid-logo.png)](https://avid4.com/) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-logo.svg) CAMPS LOCATIONS ABOUT US JOBS [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png) NEW CAMPS ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png)](https://avid4.com/programs-overview/) CAMPS - [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - 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- [Housing Resources](https://avid4.com/jobs/instructor-housing-options/) - [College Interns](https://avid4.com/jobs/college-internships/) - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal) [Day](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet#finder-day) [Resident](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet#finder-overnight) [Expedition](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet#finder-expedition) Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Burlingame Mill Valley Moraga Oakland Palo Alto Boulder Boulder - Valmont Castle Rock Colorado Springs Denver - Greenwood Village Denver - Lowry Denver - Stapleton Denver - Washington Park Golden Highlands Ranch Lafayette Superior Portland Go Grade Entering 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Go Grade Entering 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th Go # 5 Ways to Limit Screen Time for Kids You Probably Haven't Tried Yet [Back to Blog Homepage](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/) Posted by [Nicole Arvidson](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/nicole-arvidson) on January 8, 2021 [![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/AVID4_Mill_Valley_281%20(1)-1.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=5%20Ways%20to%20Limit%20Screen%20Time%20for%20Kids%20You%20Probably%20Haven't%20Tried%20Yet&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet&media=https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/524285/AVID4_Mill_Valley_281%20%281%29-1.jpg) Screen time: We love it for educational purposes, Pinterest recipes, and for when “Mommy needs a minute!” but not so much when it turns our kids into disconnected zombies. Also, it’s important to acknowledge that screens aren’t evil, and our devices can prove to be very helpful at times. The problem lies in our overall dependency on screens and the way too much screen time can be negatively affecting our children. [Dr. Jennifer F. Cross](https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/), attending pediatrician and a development and behavioral pediatrics expert at New York-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital warns that **“If young children spend most of their time engaging with an iPad, smartphone, or the television, all of which are highly entertaining, it can be hard to get them engaged in non-electronic activities, such as playing with toys to foster imagination and creativity, exploring outdoors, and playing with other children to develop appropriate social skills.”** As a parent or caregiver, you might be at a loss for what to do when daily life often seems to be fueled by technology. At [Avid4 Adventure](https://avid4.com), we’re committed to set your kids up for success in this ever-changing and confusing world. Likewise, below are five innovative ways we’ve come up with to help you build healthy digital habits within your family. [![teen crossing a river while backpacking in the mountains](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/c02f2215-19f7-51d5-b22b-cca753b1385f-2.jpg?width=900&name=c02f2215-19f7-51d5-b22b-cca753b1385f-2.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet) ## **1. Create Rhythms with Technology**   Kids thrive off of routine. In order to foster a healthy relationship with technology, it’s helpful to have a typical schedule when it comes to screen-time. This means setting an expectation for what times are “screen-free” (for example: dinner time, bedtime, and family time). For times when technology is allowed, give your kids some ownership by having them decide what time of the day is most important for them to engage with their devices.  In the chaos of parenting, it can be hard to remember exactly when those “[screen-free](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/screen-free-week-for-kids-adults-will-you-take-the-pledge)” times are. Coincidentally, technology can be very useful in limiting screen time for kids. Many internet service providers have family controls for your home wifi, and there’s a multitude of [screen time limiting apps](https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/internet/best-apps-for-parents-to-monitor-and-limit-screen-time/) that you can add to keep your kids accountable.   ## **2. Make a “Bored Jar”**   Possibly the most common complaint among kids without screens is “I’m bored!” Eliminate that phrase by coming up with fun activities to do that require ZERO screen-time. A quick Google search will get you loads of ideas, but here are some to start: - Write a story and act it out like it’s the next Hollywood blockbuster - Make a card for someone who’s sick or whose birthday is coming up - [Try a few mindfulness activities](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/8-simple-mindfulness-activities-for-kids-to-create-a-sense-of-calm) - Bake something new with whatever is in your kitchen - [Unstructured play](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-mix-up-at-summer-camp-led-to-a-lesson-on-play) time - Play a good old-fashioned board game - [Try cooking outdoors](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/cooking-outdoors-with-kids-a-few-bites-of-dirt-never-hurt-anyone) - Do an adventurous [indoor activity](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/winter-indoor-activities-for-the-whole-family)   [![kids learning to bike in the Bay Area of California](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AVID4_Mill_Valley_180%20(1)-1.jpg?width=900&height=629&name=AVID4_Mill_Valley_180%20(1)-1.jpg)](https://avid4.com)   ## **3. Give Devices a Place to Sleep**   The separation between “screen-time” and “screen-free time” can be processed much easier if every phone, tablet, and laptop has a specific place to rest. Your kids can even decorate a box or bin in order to create the proper “bed” for their devices.   ## **4. Be a ROLE MODEL**   Whether you like it or not, children are observing everything you do, and are likely mirroring many of your behaviors in their own lives. This means that every caregiver who wants their child to have a healthy relationship with technology should be pursuing the same for themselves! Be mindful of how often you check your phone or watch TV, especially when playing or talking with your kids.   ![kids hiking in Mill Valley, California](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AVID4_Mill_Valley_119%20(1)-1.jpg?width=900&name=AVID4_Mill_Valley_119%20(1)-1.jpg)   ## **5. Get Outside** Of course, we’re going to encourage you and your family to get outside as much as possible! Even when it’s cold, time in nature is crucial for the health and well-being of your entire household (minus the hamster, he can stay inside). Go for a walk or to the park, play [fun outdoor games](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/8-camp-games-to-keep-the-summer-camp-spirit-alive), go on a [nature scavenger hunt](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/nature-scavenger-hunt-with-free-printable), or take a drive to the nearest body of water and serve up some hot chocolate on the shore. If it’s winter and going outside in the cold seems too daunting, make it a goal to be out for just 15 minutes. Usually, your kids will discover something new and will want to stay out longer.   [![young kid stand up paddleboarding in the Bay Area of California](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AVID4_Mill_Valley_2018_056%20(1)-1.jpg?width=900&name=AVID4_Mill_Valley_2018_056%20(1)-1.jpg)](https://avid4.com)     Building healthy habits, even in the middle of a pandemic, is important for everyone in your family. Take time to speak with your kids today on how they feel technology may be helping them, and how it may not be serving them. Then, come up with a game plan living a balanced life alongside screens. To empower your kids to choose active, outdoor lifestyles, check out Avid4 Adventure day and overnight summer camps where kids of all ages and skill levels unplug from technology and experience adventure sports like mountain biking, rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking and more. They'll be begging you to get outdoors once camp is over!   [![Learn More](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/524285/68ef84cf-466a-4e6e-8683-83719f8e338a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/524285/68ef84cf-466a-4e6e-8683-83719f8e338a)   Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=5%20Ways%20to%20Limit%20Screen%20Time%20for%20Kids%20You%20Probably%20Haven't%20Tried%20Yet&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/ways-to-limit-screen-time-for-kids-you-probably-havent-tried-yet&media=https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/524285/AVID4_Mill_Valley_281%20%281%29-1.jpg) Topics: [Tips and Tricks](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/tips-and-tricks), [Mental Health](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/mental-health), [Limit Screen Time](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/limit-screen-time) ### NAVIGATION - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps/) - [Policies](https://avid4.com/policies/) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camp/about-colorado-mountain-camp/) - [Contact](https://avid4.com/contact-us/) - [Gear Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.avid4.com/blog) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Staff Portal](https://avid4.com/jobs/staff-portal/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Parent Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?_ga=2.82785814.1896501485.1508936271-1717527764.1507131859) - [Scholarships](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Request Info](https://avid4.com/request-information/) ### GET IN TOUCH **Avid 4 Adventure** PO Box 287, Boulder, CO 80306 [1.720.024.2412](tel:+17202492412) **Social** ### ACCREDITATIONS [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/licensed.png)](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251590215770) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/accredited.png)](https://www.acacamps.org/) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/leave-no-trace.png)](https://lnt.org/youth-program-accreditation) © All content copyright 2018 Avid4 Adventure. 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