Why We’re Doing a Screen Detox (and Loving It)

Nora knows too much brain rot.

That was the sentence that started it all.

My two older kids (18 & 13) came to me, concerned about their little sister’s screen time. That got my attention!

“What is brain rot?” I asked – although, to be fair, the term kind of speaks for itself.

“It’s when you watch mindless stuff on the internet and know random facts that don’t even matter.”

They were worried because they saw their sweet, creative little sister becoming sassier and less interested in real life. Instead of playing, exploring, or creating, she was zoning out to shows and short clips. While the content she was watching wasn’t exactly harmful, it certainly wasn’t healthy either.

So… we decided to implement a screen detox. Honestly, it’s been good for all of us. The real culprit wasn’t just the content—it was our busy lives, and (if I’m being totally honest) a bit of laziness on my part when it came to setting firmer boundaries.

I sat down with Nora and explained that a screen detox isn’t a punishment – it’s actually the opposite! I shared how too much of anything is unhealthy. Just like we have limits on sugar or bedtime, we need to be more intentional about screen time. I promised to do the detox alongside her and asked if we could come up with a list of fun things to do instead.

So we did – and I figured I’d share it with you!

Some of these ideas come from my own childhood, some were Nora’s, and (full disclosure) some came from ChatGPT (ha!). Because in case you didn’t know, the internet is surprisingly helpful when it comes to helping you get off the internet. 🙂

What would you add?

🎨 Creative & Crafty Adventures

Friendship Bracelets – Embroidery floss and a safety pin—that’s how I learned!
Build a “Creation Station” – Stock a bin with recycled materials, glue, tape, and markers for impromptu invention time.
DIY Dollhouse or Cardboard Castle – Boxes, scissors, and imagination are all you need. (Here’s a blog about this!)
Make Bible Verse Stones – Paint little rocks with verses, words, or pictures and hide them around the yard or house.
Art Challenge Jar – Fill a jar with prompts like “Draw a tree that can talk” or “Paint with a spoon.”
Create a Fairy Garden – Use tiny plants, pebbles, and mini figures to build a magical outdoor world. (Noras favorite, she looooooves anything tiny!)

🧪 Mini Science & Maker Projects

Kitchen Science Days – Try baking soda volcanoes, slime-making, or invisible ink experiments.
Invent-a-Toy Hour – Give her a theme (like “a flying toy” or “a toy for a hamster”) and a bin of odds and ends to invent something new.
Empty the Dishwasher – its this super fun game where your kids empty the dishwasher for you! Wait…how’d that make the list? 🙂

📚 Imaginative & Brainy Fun

Relive a Favorite Book Series – From Narnia and Ramona to The Babysitters Club, pick a series from your childhood and read it together—out loud, taking turns!
Start a Neighborhood Newspaper – My mom did this with me and the neighborhood kids. We called it “Cul-de-sac News!” She typed it up on an actual typewriter, and some neighbors even took out “ads.” It was a great way to connect with neighbors – and their kids!
Role-Play Librarian or Teacher – Set up a pretend classroom or library and let her be in charge.

🌳 Outdoor & Movement-Based Play

Obstacle Course Creator – Let her build one for you, then switch!
Nature Bingo or Scavenger Hunt – Make a checklist of things to find at the park or in your backyard.
Outdoor Chalk Town – Draw roads, houses, shops, and ride bikes or scooters through the mini “town.”
Backyard Camping Night – Pitch a tent, roast marshmallows, and stargaze. (Let’s be honest though…around 11pm, everyone’s ready for their own bed!)

🎭 Performing & Pretending

Talent Show Time – She can rehearse and perform a dance, song, magic trick, or skit.
Make a Commercial – Challenge her to create a silly live “ad” for a household object. (Shampoo? A banana? A broom? Endless possibilities!)

💡 Bonus: The “Unplugged Hours” Jar

Fill a jar with screen-free activities she can pick from when she’s bored. Ideas include:

Build something with LEGO
Try a new board game
Create a new recipe with Mom or Dad
Decorate a rock
Learn a new card game
Write a letter to a grandparent or cousin
Build a blanket fort

Screens aren’t the enemy, but balance is the goal. With a little intention (and a whole lot of creativity), we’re rediscovering how much fun life beyond the screen can be.

If you’ve tried a screen detox or have fun screen-free ideas, I’d love to hear them! What would you add?