Reducing Screen Time with Maja Sülau
Many parents are looking for ways to reduce screen time and encourage more active, creative play. Two years ago, Maja and her family decided to remove screens from their kids’ daily lives, and we asked Maja to share their experience along with hands-on tips for cutting back on screens and inspiring more movement and creativity at home.
What inspired you to remove screens from your children’s daily lives?
It all started with me being curious about how screens affect kids in terms of how they play, learn, and engage with their surroundings. I’d noticed that screen time often made my own own kids more passive and impatient during other activities, and I’d heard from other parents who’d benefitted from cutting back on screentime. I really wanted to give my kids a childhood with more creative play, presence, and movement, so that’s what led us to a more screen-free daily life.
What was the biggest challenge in going screen-free, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was my own need for a “break” during the day. Screens can feel like an easy solution when you just need five minutes to yourself, and in the beginning it was difficult, but over time, I discovered that my kids became better at playing independently when they no longer had screens as an option.
Instead, I made sure to have small stations with toys, crafts, building blocks, etc. so they always had something to dive into. Those little preparations made a big difference in making daily life smoother and easier.
What kinds of activities or toys have become favorites in your home and how do you encourage independent play versus parent-led activities?
MODU is definitely one of our favorites because it can be used in so many different ways. I love toys that allow for open-ended play, so magnets, modeling clay, LEGO, and dress-up games are also big hits at our house. I try to let the kids take the lead during playtime without stepping in too much. Often, I just pull something out and let them take it from there.
How has a screen-free approach affected your family dynamics and daily routines and have you noticed any unexpected benefits from this decision?
I’ve found that it’s created a greater sense of presence and led to fewer conflicts at home. The kids have gotten better at staying engaged in their play and finding things to do on their own. An unexpected benefit has been that they sleep better and seem calmer—especially in the evenings. Honestly, daily life without screens just feels easier than it did with them. There are no more arguments about whether they can watch something, how long, or what, because it’s simply not an option anymore.
What advice would you give to other parents considering reducing screen time, and if a parent isn’t ready to go fully screen-free, what small steps could they take?
I would definitely recommend to start small! You don’t have to remove screens 100% overnight—take it at your own pace. Try creating screen-free zones, such as during meals or in the evening before bedtime. Have fun alternatives ready so the kids can easily find something else to do. For us, it also helped to go outside and play or visit places where screens weren’t around—out of sight, out of mind. And most importantly—be patient! The transition takes time, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Follow Maja and her family on Instagram for more creative play ideas and a glimpse into their every day life here.
