Managing screen time can feel like a juggling act, especially for homeschooling families. With screens everywhere, it’s easy for both kids and parents to get distracted. Finding a balance between using screens as learning tools and maintaining healthy boundaries is essential. In today’s post, I’m sharing my strategies and insights for managing screen time while homeschooling, including setting intentional rules, embracing the benefits of educational screen use, and adjusting screen time with the seasons.
Setting Screen Time Rules
I’ve established a few screen time rules in our family that have made our days run more smoothly. For example, we don’t allow screens before school—including for parents. Modeling this boundary has been crucial, and to make it practical, I purchased a home phone for important calls.
We also maintain screen-free spaces, like the playroom and dining room, to encourage connection in areas designed for interaction. Additionally, I set daily goals—like reading a book, playing a game, or helping with a chore—that must be met before screens are used.
Lastly, I impose device-specific daily limits of two hours, though most days we don’t reach that. These boundaries foster balance between screen time and free play while supporting connection and creativity.
Enforcing Screen Time Rules
Enforcing screen time rules is key to maintaining peace in our home. The most effective way I do this is by modeling the expectations I’ve set. I also make a point to consistently vocalize these rules whenever questions about screens are asked. Over time, my kids realized I wasn’t budging and began waiting to ask for screen time until after meeting the expectations. Staying consistent has made all the difference in establishing this healthy boundary.
Skills Learned Through Screens
Let’s be real—screens are everywhere, and our kids will need to know how to navigate them as they grow. While I want to set healthy screen time boundaries, I also recognize how important it is to teach my kids the skills they’ll need for school and work.
For my 11-year-old, I’ve started teaching basic computer skills like emailing, typing, opening documents, and finding credible online sources. Once these are mastered, we’ll move on to Excel, PowerPoint, keyboard shortcuts, and advanced research skills. Coding is also on my radar, though I haven’t planned it out yet.
Critical Thinking and Research
One of the biggest reasons parents hesitate to let their kids go online is the overwhelming amount of information out there. It’s not just about access—it’s about teaching our kids how to think critically, evaluate credible sources, compare information, and check for accuracy or bias. And let’s be honest, many parents aren’t confident in these skills themselves, which makes teaching them even harder.
Right now, my son and I are working on academic essays together. We pick a topic—like a person, event, or discovery—and research it side by side. This gives him a chance to watch me model these online skills, ask questions, and eventually demonstrate what he’s learned. I really believe early research and writing should be a team effort so they can build confidence before tackling it solo.
Recognizing the Seasons of Screen Time
One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the flexibility to adapt with the seasons, and this includes screen time. In the winter, when we’re inside for longer hours, we tend to allow more screen time than in the summer. To keep things intentional, I prepare by creating lists of educational documentaries, websites, and games that align with our learning goals. It’s a great way to make screen time both productive and enjoyable during the colder months.
Balancing Screens with Other Activities
Life is all about balance, and I encourage plenty of outdoor activities (weather permitting) as well as indoor fun like yoga or dance videos on YouTube. Indoor activities often require creativity but can lead to some of the funniest memories.
I love incorporating hands-on learning, like STEM kits, cooking with their dad, sensory play, or nature journaling. These experiences give kids opportunities to explore non-screen activities.
As a family, we balance screen time by listening to audiobooks, enjoying game nights (Apples to Apples is our favorite), or tackling projects like cleaning the porch together.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Screen Habits
I hope this post added some value and insight into how you plan on managing screen time while homeschooling below is the short version of my tips for maintaining healthy screen habits.
- Creating a structured schedule
- Build screen time into the daily routine.
- Alternate screen-based lessons with non-screen activities.
- Modeling healthy screen habits
- Set a good example by limiting personal screen use.
- Prioritize face-to-face interactions and family time.
Managing screen time while homeschooling requires intentionality and balance. By establishing clear rules, fostering valuable screen-based skills, adjusting expectations with the seasons, and finding creative ways to balance screen time with other activities, we can create a healthy, productive environment for our children.
Take a moment to reflect on your current screen time practices—what’s working, and what could improve? I’d love to hear from you! Share your strategies, challenges, or tips in the comments, and let’s learn from one another.