I Didn’t Plan on Screen Time—And Then I Had Kids

The Best-Laid Plans

I spent the first six months of Evie’s life trying to avoid screens. Even when Dave was gaming, I’d prop her on my knees, tiny butt balanced on my belly, facing me instead of the TV. I wanted to be intentional. Present. The kind of mom who didn’t lean on electronics.

But parenting laughs at manuals. 📚💫

A Wiggly Spell

Once Evie got mobile, sticky fingers and grabby hands made glowing rectangles irresistible. And then Dave—of course—put on The Wiggles.

The spell was cast. 🎶

At first, I stressed. Thirty minutes max, I told myself. Educational only, I bargained. But boundaries blurred quickly.

The Lineup

Her steady roster became Ms. Rachel, Caitie’s Classroom, Bounce Patrol, Sesame Street, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Blippi. The only dark magic I regret unleashing? Baby Shark. 🦈💀

From Shows to Cinema

Slowly, shows stretched into movies. Home screenings turned into mini Disney marathons—Moana on repeat, Tangled hairbrush solos, Frozen sing-alongs, Monsters Inc. giggles, and even Minecraft pixel chaos. 🎥🍿

And honestly? I didn’t mind anymore. Screens became background magic—soundtracks to her play, building, and dancing.

Ellie, the Second Child Clause

Ellie never stood a chance. Poor second baby was exposed to Ms. Rachel from the bassinet, courtesy of an enthusiastic big sister. 💞

Now, I joke that I owe Ms. Rachel child support. 💸

The Unexpected Magic

Here’s what I didn’t expect: educational screen time actually helped. Evie speaks clearly, sings in tune, recognizes letters, and loves to learn. Screens weren’t babysitters—they were tools.

And I leaned in. Ms. Rachel teaches a sign? We use it at dinner. A brushing song? It becomes our bedtime anthem. I wasn’t outsourcing motherhood—I was reinforcing it.

The Final Word

I used to think screen time was a slippery slope. Now I know it can be a lifeline. 🛟

So if your toddler bops to Blippi while you finally sip hot coffee—you’re not failing. You’re surviving.

And if your kids love Ms. Rachel too? Same, mama. Same. 🙌

Nicki Bratton