The world we live in today is not designed to keep children away from screens. From the earliest stages of schooling to graduation and eventually into the workplace, nearly every aspect of life revolves around screen time. Inevitably, children cannot be shielded from it forever, they will need to adapt to this reality. But does that mean we should introduce them to screens the moment they are born?

Too often, we fail to acknowledge the other side of technology. We celebrate its convenience and connectivity without reflecting on the serious costs it brings, especially to children. 

My son, who is now more than two years old, has been completely screen-free, apart from occasional family video calls. This hasn’t been easy, but easy is not always the right way. Working from home, I know that handing him a screen would have made my life far more convenient. Instead, I’ve had to spend more time with him, take him outdoors daily, and encourage interaction with other children, none of which follow a fixed schedule or fit neatly into a calendar.

The truth is, babies learn from people, not from screens. We often assume that screens will boost language, help kids speak earlier, or make them smarter.

In reality, the effects are often the opposite. Screen exposure shortens attention spans, strains young eyes, and interferes with emotional development. Children struggle to read faces, control emotions, or show empathy, all of which come from real human interaction. Eliminating screen time in the early years can create lifelong benefits. And if eliminating it entirely isn’t possible, then at least reducing it until children develop language and emotional awareness is essential.

Think about it from an adult’s perspective. When we travel and gaze out of a moving window, the constant rush of changing scenery often makes us feel drowsy. That’s because our brain struggles to process so much information, so quickly. Similarly, when we binge-watch a web series, our sleep is disturbed, not because of the show itself, but because we know there are more episodes waiting. Our brain stays alert, restless, and unsatisfied.

Now imagine the same for children. When they watch screens, their developing brains are flooded with fast-moving images, colors, and sounds. They can’t process it all, but they sense there’s always “something more” coming next. So when you suddenly take the screen away, they don’t just lose the show, they lose the anticipation of what’s next. That’s why they cry, resist, or throw tantrums. It’s not defiance, it’s overstimulation mixed with unfinished curiosity.

There’s no magic formula for raising a child, and certainly no need to pressure them into reciting A-B-C or 1-2-3 on demand. What truly matters is presence, spending time together, involving them in everyday life, and parenting with intention.

Here are a few simple practices that have helped us, not perfectly, but meaningfully:

1. Talk to your child as you go about your day
Skip the baby talk. Speak as though your child understands everything. Narrate your actions while cooking, cleaning, or even sharing your thoughts. This not only builds vocabulary and comprehension but also strengthens connection.

2. Involve them in daily chores
Many believe children should be kept out of the kitchen, it’s risky. But my son never stayed away, so I adapted. I placed him in a high chair while I cooked, helping me roll chapatis, chop vegetables, and even taste along the way. He helps water plants, wipe surfaces, and joins in small ways. Instead of exclusion, I chose safe inclusion.

3. Read from the very beginning
We started reading to him when he was just two months old. Over time, it became a ritual. Now, when we pick up a book, he grabs his picture book too, flipping through pages with delight. His attention span is short, of course, but it has sparked a genuine love for books and stories, plus it gives us a few moments of breathing space.

4. Keep toys minimal and rotate them
Too many choices overwhelm even adults; for babies, it’s harder. Instead of piling up toys, we keep only a few within reach and rotate them weekly. This way, he focuses, values what he has, and learns new skills without distraction. Just like you can’t master cycling, skating, and scootering at once, children thrive when they can explore one thing at a time. Limited toys also encourage independent play.

5. Stick to a routine
No matter what’s happening around us, we follow our child’s routine, breaking it only in rare situations. Our days revolve around his rhythm: meals, naps, play, and bedtime. When we disrupt it, tantrums peak. Life isn’t always predictable, of course, but being mindful makes a huge difference.

6. Manage overtiredness
We monitor nap times carefully. When he’s well-rested, he’s active and happier. But when overtired, he becomes nearly impossible to handle, harder even than a colicky baby. He won’t eat, won’t sleep, and cries endlessly. The secret is balance: enough activity to support good sleep, but not so much that it tips into exhaustion.

7. Prioritize sunlight and outdoor play
Morning sunlight works wonders—it lifts mood, reduces crankiness, and improves sleep quality. His naps and nighttime rest are much smoother after time outside. We make it a point to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors daily, whether it’s in the park, free play in nature, or exploring a simple sport.

Choosing a screen-free path is valuable, but just as important is knowing what not to do.

Tantrums are normal. They don’t mean your child will “grow up angry”, they simply reflect emotions too big for little words. Anger, tears, and frustration are part of learning. Many adults struggle with anger only because they were never allowed to feel it as children. So let your child cry if needed. If you feel overwhelmed, step away, breathe, and return calmer. That pause helps both of you.

Use “no” sparingly. When it’s said too often, it loses meaning. Patience works better, even if you slip up (as we all do). In our home, we lean on each other; when one loses patience, the other steps in. That teamwork has been our greatest strength.

Don’t discipline or moralize during meltdowns, children are too young to grasp lessons in those moments. What they need is love. If they lash out, don’t punish. Hold them close and show them they’re safe, even in their hardest feelings.

People say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But often, the “village” is just you and your partner. If you have supportive family who respect boundaries, life gets simpler. If not, boundaries are essential, too many conflicting voices only confuse a child and weaken their ability to make confident choices. Be mindful of who shapes your child. Little minds absorb quickly and imitate instantly. The influences around them today will define who they become tomorrow.

If you’re searching for a quick fix, let me be honest, there isn’t one. Parenting isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. It’s not a race to milestones, but a journey of love, rhythm, and mindful connection that shapes both childhood and the essence of life.