Dad shares 7 screen-free activities to keep toddlers busy at home

For parents who choose not to allow their children screen access, finding alternative activities can present a challenge. Every parent has the right to raise their children as they see fit, and some prefer to restrict or completely eliminate screen time in their households for various reasons.

Whilst this approach isn’t universal, certain parents notice changes in their children’s behaviour and sleep patterns when they reduce screen time, particularly during evening hours. Conversely, others are perfectly comfortable with their children enjoying television as a way to relax and unwind.

Eliminating screen time raises an important question: how do you entertain a young child for extended periods without digital devices?

One father, who shares content on TikTok under the handle @koohry, outlined seven screen-free activities he uses to engage his young daughter.

He explained: “There’s seven things to do at home with your baby that’s not screen time. Number one, give your baby a new household item she hasn’t seen in a while that’s safe to play with. Today is silicone spatula day.”

The footage then depicts his toddler gnawing on the plastic utensil before tapping it against various objects throughout the house, including a silicone pot and a toddler tower.

He subsequently demonstrated a Velcro target board he’d installed in the lounge, complete with balls that could be hurled at it and would adhere. This game helped develop his daughter’s throwing skills.

He shared: “Number two is good old target practise. Number three, spontaneous dance party. Number four, go over some educational posters.”

The father then displayed his daughter studying a poster on the wall that labelled various parts of the human body such as eyes, head, arms and legs. Following this, they brought out a tricycle for a fun ride around the house.

The sixth activity involved setting up a “baby dunk” competition using a small basketball hoop attached to a low drawer. His toddler quickly grasped the concept and began scoring hoops with the ball.

The final activity was dedicated to “good old reading time”.

An expert in early childhood education and development praised the video, commenting: “As someone who works in early childhood education and development, these are amazing activities for every area of development that aren’t too complicated. This is amazing to see families do at home.”

Others shared in with their own suggestions for engaging children without resorting to screen time. One individual suggested: “Stack up some paper cups into a pyramid and let them knock it over with a ball like bowling.”

Another shared: “Me and my girl do everything together play clean wash and fold laundry load dishwasher cook its very hard but at least she is not on the screen.”

Another person remarked: “Shout out to any parent who can keep their kids away from screens all day. We do these activities all the time and it takes up about one hour of our day. Don’t be ashamed if it is difficult to fill the entire day with non-screen activities.”