If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably sighed at the sight of your child glued to the TV or clutching a game controller for hours on end. It feels like the default pastime for kids these days is switching between YouTube, Netflix, and whatever the newest video game craze might be. And while screens aren’t evil in themselves, too much of them can quickly turn into a problem: less movement, less creativity, and fewer real-life skills being developed.
So, what can you do if your 8-year-old is spending way too much time in front of a screen? The good news is you don’t have to wage a constant battle or unplug the Wi-Fi to see change. Instead, you can offer alternatives that are fun, engaging, and actually more rewarding in the long run. Below are several practical, tried-and-true strategies you can try right away.
1. Set Clear Boundaries Around Screen Time
One of the biggest reasons kids get stuck in endless loops of shows or games is the lack of structure. It helps to set daily or weekly limits on screen time, just like you’d set limits on sweets. For example:
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1 hour of TV on weekdays, 2 hours max on weekends
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Screen time only after homework or chores are done
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No screens at dinner or in bedrooms
Consistency is key here. When kids know the rules, they’re less likely to fight them. Try using a timer or a screen-time management app so you don’t always have to play the bad cop.
2. Make Boredom Work for Them
Here’s a secret: boredom isn’t a bad thing. When kids aren’t immediately entertained by a screen, they’re forced to think of new ways to have fun. That’s when creativity kicks in.
Instead of rushing to hand your child a device when they say, “I’m bored,” let them sit with that feeling for a while. More often than not, they’ll end up picking up a book, building something with toys, or inventing a silly game. It may take practice, but it works wonders.
3. Encourage Hands-On Projects
Hands-on projects are the antidote to passive screen consumption. Whether it’s painting, baking cookies, or building a birdhouse, projects give kids a sense of accomplishment and keep them busy for hours.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider these ideas:
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Crafting with recycled materials (DIY robots out of cardboard boxes!)
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Baking simple recipes they can decorate themselves
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Starting a kid-friendly gardening project
Kids who get hooked on projects often find them just as rewarding as beating a video game level—except this time, they’ve created something they can be proud of.
4. Rediscover Outdoor Adventures
It sounds simple, but getting outside can instantly shift a child’s mindset. Riding bikes, climbing trees, playing tag, or even just helping water plants can be a screen-free adventure.
A good tip: create small traditions around outdoor play. For example, “Sunday afternoon is family walk time,” or “After school we ride bikes around the block.” Kids love routines, and the outdoors offers endless possibilities to keep things fresh.
5. Introduce Building Toys and STEM Kits
As a mom living in Washington, US, “I’ve found that building toys and STEM kits are an incredible way to replace screen time with meaningful play. They’re hands-on, creative, and they sneak in learning without kids even realizing it.
For example, Sillbird’s building block robot kits are designed for kids 8+. They let children build robots that can actually move and be controlled with a remote or an app. My son was fascinated—not just because he got to snap the blocks together, but because he could later drive the robot around like his very own creation. Suddenly, instead of zoning out in front of the TV, he was using problem-solving, logic, and imagination.
I’m not saying building kits are magic wands, but they’re one of the few toys that consistently pull kids away from screens without me nagging. It’s like giving them a video game they build themselves, except in real life.
6. Involve Them in Family Life
Sometimes kids reach for screens simply because they feel left out of what the “grown-ups” are doing. You’d be surprised how much they enjoy pitching in on real-life tasks when invited.
Here are a few ideas:
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Cooking dinner together (let them stir, chop soft veggies, or plate food)
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Helping with simple home repairs
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Planning family outings or weekend trips
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Taking charge of feeding the pet
Not only does this keep them away from screens, but it also helps them build confidence and feel like an important part of the family team.
7. Swap Screens for Stories
If your child is drawn to TV shows because of the stories, give them a better alternative: books and audiobooks.
At age 8, kids are ready for more adventurous chapter books, but they may also love listening to audiobooks while building or drawing. This way, they still get the storytelling fix without needing a screen. Libraries and apps like Audible or Libby make this super accessible.
8. Lead by Example
Here’s the hard truth: if we as parents are always glued to our own phones or laptops, kids will copy us. One of the simplest yet hardest strategies is to model the behavior you want to see.
Put your phone away during family meals. Watch one show, then turn off the TV together. Pick up a puzzle or book while your child is around. Kids notice these things, and your habits shape theirs more than you realize.
The key is balance
Screens aren’t going away anytime soon, and honestly, they don’t need to. But if your 8-year-old is spending too much of their day watching TV or playing video games, there are plenty of creative, engaging alternatives you can introduce. From outdoor play and hands-on projects to building kits like the ones from Sillbird, there’s a whole world of fun waiting beyond the screen.
The key is balance. With a little structure, some creativity, and a few fresh activities up your sleeve, you can help your child rediscover the joy of play—and maybe even find yourself enjoying it right alongside them.
