Screens, Tantrums & Tired Eyes: Supporting Children with Screen Time Over the Holidays
Easter holidays bring a well-earned break—but also a big temptation: screens.
With more time at home, it’s easy for devices to fill the space. Whether it’s games, YouTube, TikTok or scrolling, screen time often becomes the default activity—and suddenly, we’re dealing with meltdowns, eye strain, or kids who can’t settle for bed.
As a play therapist, I often see the emotional impact too much screen time can have on children. And it’s not just about what they’re watching—it’s how it affects their bodies, brains, and ability to cope with big feelings.
Why Too Much Screen Time Dysregulates Children:
- Screens are highly stimulating. Bright lights, fast movement, and constant input keep the brain in „go” mode.
- Children struggle to transition. Shifting from screen to mealtime, bedtime, or a real-world conversation can feel abrupt and overwhelming.
- Emotions are stored, not expressed. When children spend long periods passively watching, they have fewer opportunities to release emotional energy through movement or play.
- It affects sleep and mood. Blue light, stimulation, and dopamine highs make winding down more difficult.
So What Can You Do Over the Holidays?
1. Create a predictable rhythm.
Children thrive on routine. You don’t have to plan every moment, but having rough blocks of screen-free time (morning play, afternoon walk, bedtime stories) helps them anticipate what’s next.
2. Give choices within limits.
Instead of „you can’t watch that,” try, „Would you like to watch your show after lunch or after your bath?”
This gives them control within boundaries—which helps reduce power struggles.
3. Be screen-aware, not screen-free.
It’s not about banning screens altogether—it’s about balancing them with movement, imagination, fresh air, and face-to-face connection.
4. Expect dysregulation and name it.
If your child is grumpy after screen time, you can gently name it: “Your brain had a lot of screen energy—it’s hard to slow down.” This builds emotional awareness over time.
5. Invite in sensory play.
Screens are passive. Play is active. Even something simple like water play, baking, or drawing can help children regulate after too much stimulation.
And if it’s feeling really hard…
It’s okay. These strategies take time. You’re not failing if your child melts down after screen time—you’re learning together. And if you feel like something deeper is going on beneath the screen habits, play therapy can offer a safe space for children to express what words can’t always capture.
Wishing you a calm (and only mildly techy) Easter break!