If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wrestled with screen time guilt. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve second-guessed letting my little ones watch a show or use a learning app while I fold laundry or prep dinner. But here’s the truth I want you to hear loud and clear: using screens doesn’t make you a bad mom or homeschooler. In fact, when used intentionally, screens can be a huge blessing in your homeschool day!
Today I want to share a few guilt-free ways to use screens in your homeschool—especially for those of us teaching toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kiddos. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s chat like we’re sitting on the couch together!
Table of Contents – Click to jump ahead!
1. Use Screens as a Learning Tool
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using screens to give yourself a moment to breathe (more on that later!). But when you’re feeling unsure about screen time, one of the best mindset shifts is seeing it as a tool—something that can reinforce what you’re already teaching.
There are so many high-quality apps and videos that align beautifully with early childhood learning goals. Think alphabet practice, phonics, counting, Bible stories, and even handwriting! A few ways to use screens this way are:
- ABCmouse (perfect for preschoolers and kinders)
- LeapFrog Letter Factory (a classic for teaching letter sounds!)
- Bible App for Kids (engaging Bible stories with sweet animations)
- Hoffman Academy (piano lessons for beginners on up – CLICK HERE and use the code LEARN to save 10% on your subscription)
- The Good and the Beautiful (lessons and activities that accompany their curriculum
The key? Pair screen time with what you’re already working on during your “table time” or morning routine. That way, it’s reinforcing your efforts—not replacing them.
2. Turn Screen Time into Family Time
Not all screen time has to be solo time! Snuggle up on the couch and enjoy a show together that builds on your homeschool themes or sparks imagination.
Some of our favorite educational shows include:
- Wild Kratts (learning about animals and nature)
- Super Why! (reading skills and problem solving)
- Bluey (social-emotional development, plus it’s just so wholesome)
- Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood (classic character lessons and real-world exploration)
- World Watch New Kids (10-minute news updated daily for families – CLICK HERE to try a month for free!)
- Yippee TV (all your favorite Christian TV shows, like Bible Man and Veggie Tales!)
Watching together gives you the chance to pause and ask questions, reinforce vocabulary, or just enjoy a cozy moment connecting with your littles. Screens don’t have to steal your time—they can be part of your rhythm!
3. It’s Perfectly Okay to Take a Break!
Let’s be real—homeschooling is beautiful, but it’s also exhausting. You’re teaching, managing the home, feeding everyone 47 snacks a day… and still trying to be present for your kiddos. It’s okay to turn on an episode or let your child play an educational app so you can regroup.
Screen time used intentionally during these moments can actually help you be a better mom. A 20-minute breather might be all you need to refill your cup and return with patience and joy. That’s not lazy—it’s wise.
4. Create Screen Time Boundaries That Serve Your Family
Guilt often creeps in when screen time feels out of control. But when you set healthy boundaries, it becomes just another part of your homeschool toolbox.
Here are a few ways we create structure around screen time:
- Watching a Science show during lunch so Momma can have some coffee alone
- Talking about what we watched/learned afterward
- Having “Tech Time” during quiet time in the afternoon
- Using timers so kiddos know when screen time starts and stops
- Allowing one child to work on an educational app while I teach another child a homeschool lesson
Every family is different, so find what works best for your crew. Just remember—boundaries are a blessing, not a burden.
5. Pray Over Your Homeschool—and Your Screen Use
Momma, your heart for your children is so evident in the way you worry about doing this “right.” But don’t forget—you’re not doing this alone. God is with you in the everyday moments, including the ones where you feel unsure about screen time.
Pray for wisdom in ways to use screens in your home. Pray for discernment about what content you allow. And most importantly, pray for peace in knowing that God sees your faithfulness—even in the messy, screen-filled moments.
Let’s Drop the Guilt Together
Screen time isn’t the enemy. They’re just one of many tools we can use in our homeschooling journey, and there are so many ways to use screens effectively. When we use them with intention, boundaries, and grace, they can actually support our goals—not derail them.
So next time you feel that guilt creeping in, take a deep breath, pray, and remind yourself: you’re doing a good job, Momma.
With love and coffee,
The Stay-at-Home Teacher
LET’S HANG OUT!
I’d love to chat and get to know you better! You can find us below in some of our favorite places to hang out. Can’t wait to chat with you about your homeschool journey!
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