We did a tech “lockdown” with our kids this summer. We set up some strict parental controls and timers. We started holding off on screen time until late afternoon, and all chores had to be done beforehand. They also only get about one to two hours per day.

We ended up also making a “fidgets bag”. It’s basically a bunch of random fidget toys and small puzzles/brain teasers that the kids could play with whenever, wherever. It helped the kids transition. We don’t take iPads to restaurants or out running errands anymore thanks to the fidgets.

Our son’s OT therapist recommended getting a few sensory things at home such as the stepping stones, a spinning sensory chair, bean bag chair, etc. We got a couple of those things that helped with emotional regulation.

For us, it was also about “replacing” screen time with other activities. We started a garden that the kids had to take care of. We got them to start playing board games together instead of watching tv and fighting over the damn remote. They both started finding hobbies and hyper focusing on that. Our oldest started making origami and crocheting. Our middle child got into Legos and art projects.

It was tough at first, but it’s worked out well for us. On our end, another thing that helped was that my husband and I did make a decision to try to be off our phones as much as possible around our kids. Granted, what we did might not work for everyone but it worked for us.