Aberg Ibrahim, a Montessori teacher, advocates for balanced routines over strict bans, emphasising outdoor play, family connection, and challenge-based activities to help children enjoy a healthier, more engaging summer without excessive screen use.
Parents looking for a calmer summer need not treat screen-free time as a punishment, according to Abeer Ibrahim, a certified Montessori teacher who says children can rediscover enjoyment when their days include more movement, play and shared family time. She argues that when screens dominate a child’s routine, ordinary experiences can start to feel dull by comparison.
Ibrahim said children who are used to constant digital stimulation may struggle to enjoy simple activities that once came naturally, such as watching insects in the garden, playing with sand, shaping clay or listening to a story read aloud. Rather than trying to ban devices outright, she encourages families to ease children towards a more balanced rhythm.
Practical limits can help, but experts also say children need appealing alternatives. The Mayo Clinic Health System advises parents to set clear expectations, keep devices out of screen-free hours and create phone-free parts of the home, while Connecticut Children’s recommends explaining the reasons for limits, setting realistic goals and planning intentional screen-free time. Healthline also notes that too much screen use can affect sleep, self-image and physical activity.
Ibrahim believes challenge-based play can offer some of the same reward that children seek from screens. Puzzles, group games and other tasks that involve trying, failing and trying again can give children a sense of progress and achievement. She says outdoor play, scooter rides, running, drawing, colouring and sensory activities such as water, sand and playdough can also help children settle and focus.
Family routines matter as much as the activities themselves, Ibrahim said. Bedtime stories, hugs, helping in the kitchen and eating together can all strengthen connection and reduce the need for constant stimulation. She also argues that parents should not fear boredom, because unstructured time can prompt creativity and problem-solving rather than restlessness. In her view, a less device-heavy home is not about removing technology entirely, but about setting firm boundaries and making space for children to create their own fun.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
