Wait on the screens

Sensory stimulation should not be delivered if not accompanied by physical interaction until developmentally appropriate.

Physical interaction and real-world experiences should come before digital stimulation. This isn’t about demonizing screens — it’s about ensuring they don’t replace the hands-on, face-to-face experiences that young brains need most.

Supporting Values

This principle helps cultivate these core values in your family:

Shared Experience Consistent boundaries Empathy

Practical Examples

• Your toddler is fussy at a restaurant. Instead of handing them your phone, bring a small bag of crayons, stickers, or a board book. The boredom is part of the learning.
• Your 4-year-old wants to watch a show. You say 'Sure — let's watch it together and talk about it.' Co-viewing turns passive consumption into a shared experience.
• Your 9-year-old asks for their own tablet. Instead of a flat no, negotiate together: 'Let's figure out the rules first — how much time, which apps, and what happens when time's up. You help decide.'