Bachche ko TV ke bina engage karna mushkil lagta hai - lekin possible hai! The secret is not just removing screens, but REPLACING them with engaging alternatives. This guide gives you 50+ screen-free activities (TV band karke kya karein), practical strategies for reducing screen time gradually, and tips for handling those inevitable tantrums. Remember: some screen time is okay, but balance is key!
Watch: Babynama Live Session | Safe Sleep Practices for Baby | Dr. Sumitra | SIDS | Practical Bedtime Tips
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 18 months | NO screen time (except video calls with nani-dadi) |
| 18-24 months | Very limited, high-quality only, WITH parent |
| 2-5 years | Maximum 1 hour per day, high-quality content |
| 6+ years | Consistent limits, prioritize neend and activity |
Too much screen time affects:
Track for one week:
Common triggers identified by Indian parents:
Create family screen rules:
Be specific and clear:
The key: Have alternatives READY before reducing screens!
Replace screen triggers with:
| Instead of this... | Try this... |
|---|---|
| TV while cooking | Water play in sink, play dough, coloring |
| Phone during feeding | Songs, finger play, talking to child |
| Tablet at bedtime | Books, stories, lori (lullaby) |
| Screen for boredom | Activity box (see below) |
| Screen during tantrum | Calm corner, sensory toys |
Prepare a box of screen-free activities for each age:
For Babies (0-12 months):
For Toddlers (1-3 years):
For Preschoolers (3-6 years):
Don't go cold turkey - bachcha react karega!
Week 1: Reduce by 30 minutes
Week 2: Reduce by another 30 minutes
Week 3: Replace one full session with activity
Week 4: Establish new routine
Expect resistance - it WILL get better in 1-2 weeks!
Quiet Activities:
Active Indoor Play:
Pretend Play:
Creative Activities:
Children copy you!
Give warnings:
| Mistake | Why It Backfires | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden complete ban | Child becomes obsessed | Gradual reduction |
| Using screens as reward | Increases screen value | Reward with activities |
| Screens during meals | Overeating, no family time | Strict no-screen meal rule |
| Screens before bed | Neend kharab hoti hai | Calm activities instead |
| Different rules for parents | "Aap kyun phone chalate ho?" | Model limits yourself |
| No alternative ready | Child has nothing to do | Always have activity box |
Ideally: NO screens
Maximum 30 min-1 hour, if at all
Maximum 1 hour
Balance with other activities
Consider professional guidance if:
A: This is common but needs to change! Start gradually: turn off TV, offer favorite food first, keep meals short (15-20 min) initially, make mealtimes interactive (talk, play games). First few days will be hard - child may eat less. Stay consistent. In 1-2 weeks, new habit forms. NEVER use "finish food for TV" - makes problem worse! Some hunger is okay; child won't starve.
A: We understand - it's genuinely hard! Be realistic - some screen time may be necessary for sanity. Focus on: quality over quantity, interactive content (not just passive watching), limiting to specific times only, and maximizing non-screen time when you ARE available. Rotate activity boxes weekly. Consider help (part-time aaya to engage child, family help). Every small reduction helps - don't aim for perfection!
A: Tantrums are normal when screens are limited - they're genuinely addictive! Stay calm, acknowledge feelings ("Pata hai bahut sad ho, aur dekhna tha"), but don't give in. Have alternative activity ready. The crying will reduce over 1-2 weeks if you're consistent. If you give in after crying, child learns "jor se rone se phone milta hai" - makes it worse!
A: Background TV is harmful for children even if not "watching" - affects language development and attention. Steps: turn off when not actively watching, designate TV-free times (meals, morning routine), consider TV location (not in main living area?), get family agreement on change. Adult shows especially problematic around children. Use music instead for background sound.
A: "Educational" doesn't mean unlimited! Screen is still screen - affects attention, neend, physical activity same way. If using educational apps: max 30-60 min depending on age, sit WITH child and discuss, choose slow-paced content. Real learning (books, play, conversation) is ALWAYS better than any app. Many "educational" apps are just entertainment with fancy marketing.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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