A few weeks ago, my family made a big decision: No screens, Monday through Friday, until my kids graduate. No TV, no tablets, no video games, no phones —just life, the way it used to be.
I won’t lie—at first, it sounded impossible. Screens had become such a big part of our daily routine that I wasn’t sure how we’d fill the gaps. Would the kids be bored? Would I cave after a few days? But something had to change. I was tired of feeling like we were all glued to our own little digital worlds, procrastinating and zoning out instead of being present.
So, we jumped in. And let me tell you—it has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
At first, there was resistance. The kids asked, “What are we supposed to do?” But after a few days, something incredible happened. They started reading more. They played outside without being asked. They interacted with each other instead of retreating to separate screens. And the best part? They actually get along better now!
Our house, which once felt chaotic with background noise from various devices, feels calmer. There’s more laughter, more conversation, and way less arguing. Even I feel more motivated—I’m reading more, spending more time outside, and getting things done instead of procrastinating in front of a screen.
I never realized how much screens were draining our energy until we stepped away from them.
If you’ve ever thought about cutting back on screen time, I can’t recommend it enough. Start small, stick with it, and watch what happens. The results might just surprise you—just like they did for us. Our relationships are stronger, our time together feels more meaningful, and we’ve rediscovered the simple joys of life without the constant pull of screens.
So, if you’re considering a similar change, know that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start with small steps, be patient, and give yourself grace along the way. You may just find, like we did, that the best moments in life are the ones we experience fully, without distraction.
Try it. You might be amazed at how much richer life feels when you disconnect to reconnect.
Heather Jessop
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmjelitebookkeeping
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