Healthy Screen-Time Habits for Young Children

Screen time is one of the most common sources of guilt and disagreement in modern parenting, often without much practical guidance on what actually works. This workshop steps back from all-or-nothing thinking to focus on realistic boundaries that fit your family's life, along with genuinely appealing alternatives that do not feel like a downgrade to your child. The aim is a workable routine, not an unrealistic ban.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

What we cover in the hour

• Why consistency around screen time matters more than the exact number of minutes.
• Setting boundaries that are realistic for your family's actual daily routine.
• Managing the transition off a screen without a meltdown every time.
• Alternatives that genuinely compete with screen appeal, rather than feeling like a consolation.
• How to handle screen time during difficult periods, such as illness or travel, without guilt.
• Modelling your own screen habits and why children notice.

What you'll leave with

• A realistic screen-time boundary framework you can adapt to your household.
• Three transition techniques for ending screen time calmly.
• A list of alternative activities matched by type of screen appeal.
• A note on handling exceptions without abandoning the routine entirely.
• A take-home booklet with a sample weekly screen-time structure.

How it can be delivered

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

Is there a recommended number of screen-time minutes you'll give us?

We discuss general guidance available from recognised bodies, but the focus of this workshop is on consistency and realistic boundaries suited to your family rather than a strict universal number. What works well varies by age, household and circumstance.

My child has huge meltdowns when screen time ends. What can I do?

This is one of the most common issues raised, and we cover specific transition techniques, including warnings and hand-off activities, that reduce the intensity of that moment considerably over time.

Is all screen time equally concerning?

No, we discuss differences between passive viewing, interactive content and video calls with family, and how these can be weighted differently within your overall approach rather than treated identically.

I feel guilty about how much screen time we use. Will this workshop add to that?

No, the tone of this session is practical rather than judgemental, recognising that screens are a normal part of family life. The goal is a workable routine you feel comfortable with, not perfection.

What if my child only wants to play alone with screens and won't try alternatives?

We cover how to introduce alternatives gradually and make them genuinely appealing rather than presenting them as a lesser option, which tends to have better long-term results than removing screens abruptly.

Related workshops

• Play as a Child's LanguageHow children communicate emotions, experiences and inner conflicts through play — observing without directing or interrogating.
• Positive Boundaries Without ShoutingClear, age-appropriate limits while protecting connection, modelling regulation and reducing power struggles.
• Sibling Conflict and Problem-SolvingSupport children through sharing, turn-taking, frustration and repair without expecting them to resolve every conflict alone.

More in this theme: Behaviour is communication · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.