Table of Contents
Kids and screen time - the age old hot topic.
Too much? Too little? None at all? While boundaries are important, can screen time ever be more than okay? Can it be ideal? I believe so.
Take Friday afternoons, for instance. We need to shower, dress, prep food, prep candles, refill the hot water dispenser, and juggle a dozen other micro tasks. The energy is high, the clock is ticking, and everyone’s nerves are stretched thin. Giving your children 30 minutes of screen time in this moment can be more than just “giving in”. It can be an intentional decision to give your family the gift of calm.
When kids are happily occupied, parents can focus, reset, and breathe. The result? A smoother transition into Shabbos, a calmer home, and parents who can be more present and grounded - all of which helps prevent children from developing a negative association between Shabbos and stress. When used intentionally, screen time can transform from a survival tactic into an act of proactive, mindful parenting.
The reassuring news: research shows that short, occasional bouts of screen time, like half an hour here and there, does not cause long-term damage to children’s minds. In fact, when used thoughtfully, it can support emotional regulation by giving kids a chance to unwind while parents regroup. When balanced with healthy routines, real-world play, and connection, the downsides are minimal and the benefits are vast.
Of course, what’s on the screen matters, too. Choosing calming, age-appropriate, or even educational content can turn those 30 minutes from “mindless distraction” into something enriching and aligned with your values.
I acknowledge, the concept may ruffle some feathers, as we’ve been conditioned to immediately demonize screens, but I’d encourage you to pause and think critically before dismissing the idea entirely. Screens aren’t the enemy; excess, chaos, and burnout are. Using screen time strategically can be a tool, not a crutch. The key is being mindful of when and why we use it and recognizing that sometimes, the healthiest thing for the family is that metaphorical quiet half-hour before candles are lit.