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Modern Mom’s Playbook: Raising Kids In A Screen-Filled World

Wishing for a screen-free childhood for our kids is like wishing for a return to rotary phones, it’s just not happening. Hence, the first step is to acknowledge reality, screens are everywhere, and our kids are going to use them.

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 Ankita Dhupia
New Update
image: Press Trust of India

"Raising Two, Growing Too" explores the beautiful chaos of parenting kids with an age gap. This column dives into the unique joys, challenges, and life lessons that come with nurturing siblings at different stages of life. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or just starting this journey, this space is for celebrating the everyday triumphs and transformative moments of motherhood.

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Parenting today is a world apart from what it was for our parents. As a mother of two, one a pre-teen navigating personal choices and digital freedom, and my younger daughter just beginning to demand screen time, I can confidently say this: we cannot raise our children the way our parents raised us. The world has changed, and parenting in the digital age is as much about adaptation as it is about guidance.

Let’s Stop Living in Denial

The first step is to acknowledge reality, screens are everywhere, and our kids are going to use them. Wishing for a screen-free childhood for our kids is like wishing for a return to rotary phones, it’s just not happening. My older daughter plays games, chats with her friends online, and watches shows she enjoys. While I may not always love her choices, I know forbidding her from engaging with screens entirely would only push her further away.

Instead of resisting the inevitable, I choose to engage with her digital world. If she wants to watch a show I’m unsure about, I sit with her. Watching together gives me the opportunity to filter content, ask questions, and guide her understanding of what she’s consuming. This way, instead of policing her choices, I’m teaching her to think critically and make better ones.

Screen time isn’t the villain, unmonitored screen time is

I’ve heard the success stories of parents whose children “don’t watch screens” or “eat meals without gadgets.” And honestly? Good for them. But in my home, screens sometimes help me get through the day. When my daughter is watching something, I can tackle my never-ending to-do list. Is it ideal? No. Is it practical? Absolutely.

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However, this doesn’t mean we let screen time run unchecked. The key lies in monitoring both the content and the amount of time spent on screens. For example:

Content monitoring: I review apps, games, and shows before allowing my daughter to explore them. We have open conversations about what she likes and why.

• Time limits: While there are days when screen time exceeds our ideal limits, we balance it out with physical activities, outdoor play, or family games.

The Balancing Act of Modern Parenting

Parenting in the digital age isn’t about perfection; it’s about balance. Some days we get it right, my daughter spends time reading, playing outside, and engaging in creative activities. Other days, the screen becomes a saviour while I handle work, chores, or simply catch my breath.

And let’s not forget the challenges of managing screen time with younger kids. My 16-month-old is already fascinated by screens. As much as I try to limit exposure, it’s an uphill battle, especially when she sees her older sibling using devices. This is a different age, and screens are a part of life. Instead of fighting it, I’m working on introducing healthy boundaries and habits early on.

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Building Digital Literacy

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that parenting in the digital age isn’t just about controlling screen time,it’s about teaching digital literacy.

1. Critical thinking: I encourage my older daughter to question what she sees online. Is this ad truthful? Why does this show portray certain things in a specific way?

2. Safe online behaviour: From privacy settings to avoiding oversharing, we talk about online safety regularly.

3. Balance: I remind her that while screens are entertaining, they can’t replace the joys of face-to-face interactions, hobbies, or outdoor adventures.

It’s Only Going to Get Tougher

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If parenting a pre-teen in this digital age feels like a challenge, I can only imagine what lies ahead for my younger one. Technology is evolving faster than we can keep up, and so are the challenges it brings. As parents, we need to be adaptable, informed, and present.

This isn’t about being the perfect parent or creating the ideal screen-free childhood, it’s about doing our best in the circumstances we’re in. It’s about acknowledging that while screens are here to stay, their impact on our children depends on how we handle them.

Parenting Is Tough, Period

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or somewhere in between, parenting is tough. The digital age adds another layer of complexity, but it also offers opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with our kids. I’d say it is a balancing act, and every family finds its own rhythm. What matters most is that we’re trying, learning, and showing up for our kids, even if that means letting them watch an extra show while we catch our breath.

Ankita Dhupia, a corporate professional, content creator, and 44-year-old mom of two loves sharing her journey of motherhood and finds joy in expressing herself through writing. Views expressed by the author are their own. 

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