How did YOU play? Rediscovering childhood in a screen-filled world
What would you trade from your childhood for more screen time? Probably nothing. Learn how you can help your child rediscover the joy of screen-free play.
Do you remember the way you played when you were a child? Back when television was your only screen, and even that was limited? Think back to those afternoons when you had to make your own fun. No smartphones, no iPads—just you, your imagination, and whatever you could find around the house or in the garden.
You might have spent hours outside, playing with neighbourhood friends. Tag, hide-and-seek, or making up new games no one else had ever heard of. You had to be creative, adapting to what was around you, with no digital distractions pulling you away. Do you remember those endless afternoons when time flew by because you were too busy running, laughing, and exploring? Sometimes you didn't even notice the sun going down.
Or maybe you stayed indoors, turning the living room into an adventure zone. Fort-building with sofa cushions, using blankets for walls and chairs for doorways, could keep you entertained for hours. Every room became a different world, one that you controlled. You didn’t need fancy toys or technology to have fun, just your imagination and a few household items.
Books were another gateway to adventure. You’d curl up for hours, getting lost in a story, your mind filling in the details as you turned the pages. You could lose track of time, absorbed in a book until someone reminded you it was dinner time.
That was childhood—simple and screen-free. You had to create your own entertainment, and the memories you made were richer because of it. Now, imagine if today's children could experience a little more of that.
The challenge of screen time today
Today, children's playtime looks very different. Research by the AACAP (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry) shows that children aged 5 and older now spend an average of three hours a day on screens, and for those aged 8-12, this rises to four to six hours per day. This screen time includes everything from watching videos to playing games or engaging with social media.
When you consider how much of the day is already taken up by school, travel, sleep, and meals, the reality becomes clear—the vast majority of a child’s free time is now spent in front of a screen.
But how does this compare to your own childhood? Back when the only screen in the house was the television, and it wasn’t even on all the time, how did you spend those free hours?
Looking back: a different way to play
Take a moment to think about your own childhood. What did you do when you had free time?
- Riding your bike. Was there anything better than the freedom of cycling around your neighbourhood with friends?
- Roller-skating. Zooming down the street or around the park, mastering new tricks, and enjoying the feeling of the wind in your face.
- Hanging out with friends. Spending hours together, doing nothing in particular—just talking, laughing, and sometimes daydreaming.
- Creative hobbies. Maybe you made a scrapbook, learnt how to bake fairy cakes, or even mowed the lawn to earn a little pocket money.
- Imaginative play. You could transform everyday objects into the tools of your adventures—a chair became a ballet barre or a castle wall in your games.
These activities didn’t require technology, and they filled your days with learning, creativity, and joy. Now ask yourself: which of these memories would you trade for more time in front of a screen?
None? Me neither.
And it’s likely your child would feel the same way if they had more opportunities for real-world play. Children have a natural inclination to explore, create, and imagine, and often it's only the lure of screens that pulls them away from this instinctive way of playing.
Reclaiming play
If we want our children to experience the same enriching, imaginative play we did, we need to be mindful of how much technology is part of their lives. Screens can be useful, but they shouldn't dominate your child’s free time. By encouraging more active, creative play, you’re giving them the chance to develop crucial skills—problem-solving, creativity, physical coordination—and most importantly, the ability to entertain themselves without relying on gadgets.
When I look back at my childhood, it’s not the hours spent in front of the TV that stand out—it’s the adventures, the make-believe, and the hands-on experiences. What we need to consider is not just how much screen time is appropriate, but also how we can foster the kinds of experiences that will stay with our children for years to come.
A subtle but important part of this is allowing children to experience boredom. Boredom often leads to creativity, and the more opportunities children have to create their own entertainment, the more they’ll benefit in the long run.
1. Share a favourite childhood game. Teach your child a game you used to play and spend an afternoon playing together.
2. Build a fort. Gather blankets, cushions, and chairs and build a fort in your living room. Let your child’s imagination guide the play.
3. Read a book together. Pick a story and take turns reading aloud. Afterwards, talk about the characters and what they think will happen next.
Stop relying on screens for entertainment. If you find yourself handing over a tablet or phone whenever your child is bored, try offering another activity first, like a puzzle, a book, or an outdoor game.
FAQs
How much screen time is too much for my child?
The AACAP recommends no more than 1-2 hours of recreational screen time per day for children. For younger children, this should be even less.
What are the signs that my child is spending too much time on screens?
If your child prefers screens over other activities, is becoming less physically active, or seems irritable when away from devices, it may be time to reduce their screen time.
How can I encourage my child to play more like we used to?
Introduce them to games you played as a child, and create opportunities for imaginative, hands-on play. Lead by example—if they see you enjoying activities away from screens, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.
Final word
The way we played as children may seem like a distant memory, but it’s a reminder that play doesn’t need to revolve around technology. By creating more opportunities for imaginative, hands-on play, you’re not only giving your child a break from screens but also fostering creativity and real-world skills that will stay with them for life.
Do you have memories of how you used to play? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on fostering purposeful play and for access to members-only content and downloads.
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