Screens are everywhere. From work emails on laptops to TikTok videos on phones and endless cartoons on tablets, most families spend a huge chunk of their day staring at glowing rectangles. For dads who want to bond with their kids, this constant presence of screens can be a barrier. That’s why I decided to try something different: Screen-Free Sundays.
What started as an experiment quickly became one of the most meaningful traditions in my household. Here’s what I learned—and why I think every dad should give it a shot.
Why Go Screen-Free?
Like many parents, I noticed how much time my kids spent glued to their devices. Even when we were in the same room, they were often scrolling or watching instead of engaging. To be fair, I wasn’t innocent either—I caught myself checking work messages or browsing social media instead of being fully present.
I realized that if I wanted quality time with my kids, I had to model it myself. By carving out one day a week without screens, I created a space where real connection could happen.
The First Sunday: Tough but Transformative
I’ll be honest—the first Screen-Free Sunday was not easy. My kids complained. I found myself reaching for my phone without even realizing it. But once the devices were tucked away, something amazing happened: we started talking, playing, and laughing in ways we hadn’t in a long time.
By the afternoon, we had played board games, cooked lunch together, and taken a walk in the park. Instead of feeling deprived, we felt refreshed.
How Screen-Free Sundays Strengthened Our Bond
1. Conversations Flowed Naturally
Without screens buzzing for attention, we filled the quiet with conversations. I learned new things about my kids—their favorite subjects, their worries, even the silly jokes they’d been waiting to share.
2. Shared Activities Took Center Stage
We dug out old board games, baked cookies, and even built a blanket fort in the living room. These simple activities created laughter and inside jokes we still talk about.
3. Everyone Relaxed More
Screens often keep us in a state of distraction, jumping from one thing to the next. By unplugging, we all slowed down. The kids were calmer, and I felt less stressed.
4. Memories Were Made
Instead of remembering the YouTube video they watched last Sunday, my kids now remember the bike ride we took, the pancakes we flipped, or the backyard soccer game we played.
Tips for Making Screen-Free Sundays Work
- Set Clear Rules: Define what “screen-free” means in your house. For us, it meant no phones, TVs, tablets, or video games from breakfast until bedtime.
- Plan Ahead: Have a few activities ready so no one gets bored. Board games, crafts, outdoor adventures, or cooking projects work great.
- Lead by Example: If you sneak a peek at your phone, your kids will notice. Commit fully to the idea.
- Be Flexible: Don’t panic if something requires a screen—like checking the weather before heading out. The goal is progress, not perfection.
- Celebrate the Wins: Talk at the end of the day about what everyone enjoyed. This helps kids look forward to the next one.
The Ripple Effect
After a few weeks, Screen-Free Sundays didn’t feel like a restriction—they felt like a gift. My kids stopped complaining and started suggesting activities. I noticed their creativity bloom, and I felt more present as a dad. Even during the week, we started putting our devices down more often.
What began as one small experiment turned into a cornerstone of our family life.
You don’t need a huge lifestyle change to connect more deeply with your kids. Sometimes all it takes is one day without screens. Screen-Free Sundays taught me that memories aren’t made by scrolling together on the couch—they’re made by laughing, exploring, and truly engaging with each other.
If you’re a dad looking to strengthen your relationship with your kids, try it. One day a week might just change everything.
Unlock Full Article
Watch a quick video to get instant access.