No screens, no worries! (Photo: Judith Parkyn Photography/Metro.co.uk)
Welcome back to How I Parent, where we get a glimpse into how the nation is raising their kids.
Every parent knows that getting some quiet time with children can be difficult, which is where screens – for better or worse – often come in. But one family has dug deep to buck the trend.
Ruby Blaken, 32, and her husband Mike, 35, from Wiltshire, have banned their three children, aged 8, 4 and 2, from interacting with screens at home.
This means the iPads and game consoles have been locked away – ‘they know not to touch!’ – and only occasional family TV-time, as a special treat.
Ruby, who runs Second Snuggle, a preloved children’s clothing company, says her children were using screen time frequently before the family took such drastic measures.
‘We used to have rules that meant no screen time until after dinner. We have active children, so they would put the screens down to play outside,’ she says, adding that things began to change.
‘We started to see them picking up screens more often and not wanting to do other things. Then we noticed their behaviour became bad when they had been on them and there were constant arguments between themselves – it’s like they forgot how to play with each other!’
Ruby’s children quickly adjusted to no screens at home (Photo: Own)
Ruby was careful that she didn’t make screen time into a ‘prize’, which she felt could create the problem of making it even more desirable.
‘My eldest was talking to his friends all the time about what level of the game they were on or if they had managed to get the latest item within it,’ she says. ‘They seemed to use it more at a weekend than in the week.’
Growing fed up with the constant arguments, Ruby and Mike decided to change the household tech rules.
‘Initially, we tried by restricting it, but this just resulted in being asked about it all the time,’ she says.
‘So we chose to just stop screen time altogether. The bigger two were obviously quite annoyed to start with, but actually have very quickly found other things to do.
‘We have been really surprised by how easily they have picked up other things that they hadn’t done in a long time. We do still get questioned on it sometimes, but they know we just aren’t having it for the time being.’
Tech might make an appearance as an occasional treat, but Ruby chooses to frame it as a family activity, rather than a daily occurrence.
‘We have done some movie nights together and they have had screens at friends’ houses,’ she says. ‘We are lucky to have great friends that also have rules around a screen.
‘We don’t want our children to feel they are missing out on things, but they have also had many great play dates and new things they have learnt because they weren’t playing on screens.
‘My son’s friend has taught him how to play chess and they are learning together.’
Ruby’s new rule means she’s been able to concentrate on her business too (Photo: Judith Parkyn Photography)
Now, Ruby’s house is running a lot smoother and the children are entertaining themselves, despite her running two businesses from home.
She personally can’t ditch tech altogether – her business relies on social media – but she and Mike have reduced their own phone use. When she’s tapping away during the day, she says the children understand it’s for work.
‘I was super worried about the children’s reaction to no screens, particularly with my businesses, which works conveniently around them. I am always juggling and I did use screens to help a lot with this,’ she says.
‘But I’ve actually been really surprised by how they have been able to find love in other things. I do get out more activities and remind them what toys and games are available.’
Not only do the kids seem more creative and curious, says Ruby, but they’re also a lot chirpier.
‘I really didn’t think we would see much change, but we just needed to try something,’ she says. ‘So I have been really surprised that they have started to cooperate more and we have so many fewer arguments. Also, they are much better at listening, and find it so much easier when they aren’t plugged into a screen!’
The switch has also been transformational for their quality time. A recent, screen-free holiday featured reading and board games – something the kids would have resisted with the lure of YouTube calling.
Ruby says life without screens has helped her children play better. (Photo: Judith Parkyn Photography)
Her eldest son, Issac, 8, does occasionally talk about screen time, but for now, it doesn’t last long, and he’ll soon be back outside playing with his siblings.
Ruby is aware they’ll probably have to reintroduce screens at some point as the children age, but at the moment, she’s not sure when or how they’ll do it.
‘I understand my eldest wants to be able to play the games his friends are playing, but I don’t know how to introduce with just him, they would all have to be able to have time again,’ she says.
‘I’m worried that only using for half hour or an hour a day is actually harder to do than a simple “we don’t have it at all.”‘
The mum believes screens do have their place in the world, but she feels they should be used with caution.
‘I know that technology is a massive part of their lives and will always be,’ she says. ‘But I would like to make them understand how to manage their time on it as they grow up and explore other activities.’
Would you do it?