5 Top Recommended Children Books for Kids Ages 5–10

Screens are everywhere, from TVs and tablets to smartphones and laptops. While digital devices can support learning and creativity, many parents today are asking the same question: how to reduce screen time for kids without starting a daily argument. With more classes, entertainment, and social interaction happening online, children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. But excessive screen time can affect their physical health, sleep quality, and even emotional well-being. So how can we find the right balance? This article shares practical tips for reducing screen time while promoting more physical activity, helping children grow in a healthy, well-rounded way.   Why Reducing Screen Time Matters Understanding how to reduce screen time for kids starts with knowing why it is important. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, screen time (excluding educational use) should be limited to no more than two hours per day for children over age five. Excessive screen time can lead to: Eye strain and poor posture Trouble falling asleep Weight gain and low energy Reduced attention span and creativity Meanwhile, regular physical activity supports: Healthy growth and stronger bones Improved mood and focus Better sleep patterns Social development and teamwork skills   1. Set Consistent Rules and Daily Limits The first step in learning how to reduce screen time for kids is to set clear boundaries. Children thrive with structure, and having a consistent schedule helps them develop discipline and independence. Alternatives: Set device-free hours in the morning and evening Use timers or apps to manage screen duration Keep screens out of bedrooms, especially before bedtime Create a reward system for non-screen activities 2. Replace Passive Screen Time with Active Choices Not all screen time is bad, but it is important to guide children toward more active or creative screen use, or replace it with something physical. Alternatives: Encourage drawing, puzzles, or hands-on crafts Swap cartoons for interactive learning videos Use music apps for dancing or movement-based play Sign up for extracurriculars like swimming, martial arts, or team sports 3. Be a Role Model for Healthy Screen Habits Children mimic adult behavior. If you are always on your phone, it becomes harder to convince them to turn off their devices. Modeling a balanced tech routine is one of the most effective ways to teach how to reduce screen time for kids. Alternatives: Read a book while your child plays Keep your phone out of sight during meals Suggest family walks instead of watching TV Join your kids in outdoor games or activities 4. Involve Your Kids in Planning Screen-Free Time When children feel involved in the process, they are more likely to follow the rules. Let them help plan fun screen-free activities for the week. Alternatives: Create a weekly activity jar with ideas like bike rides, baking, or hide and seek Use sticker charts to track screen-free time Allow them to choose the family game or weekend adventure 5. Create Fun Physical Routines Balancing movement with screen time does not mean forcing kids into sports they do not enjoy. Find what excites them and build around that. Alternatives: Backyard obstacle courses Dance breaks between homework sessions Family yoga or stretching challenges Short fitness videos designed for kids Chores with a twist such as turning tasks into a timed race 6. Use Tech Wisely with Movement-Based Apps If completely removing screen time is not realistic, try using apps that blend movement with tech. This way, kids remain active while staying engaged. Alternatives: Dance apps like GoNoodle Augmented Reality (AR) games that require walking Fitness video games like Ring Fit Adventure Educational platforms that include movement breaks 7. Establish Tech-Free Family Traditions Make family time more meaningful by building rituals that do not involve screens. This strengthens your bond and shows that fun does not always require a device. Alternatives: Family cooking nights Nature walks or park visits Gardening or DIY projects Volunteering together in local events Learning how to reduce screen time for kids is not about removing devices entirely. It is about creating healthier, more balanced routines. When screen habits are paired with regular movement, children become more focused, creative, and emotionally strong. By staying involved, setting clear limits, and offering fun alternatives, parents can guide kids toward a lifestyle that blends the best parts of technology with the joys of being active.   Try a Healthy Digital Routine with Timedoor Academy Looking for another way how to reduce screen time for kids and turn them into learning time? At Timedoor Academy, your child can explore the world of coding, animation, and creative digital projects in a structured, kid-friendly environment. With live teachers and flexible schedules, our courses encourage healthy online habits and critical thinking. A free trial is available so you can see how your child can enjoy screen time the smart and balanced way. Visit our website to learn more and get started!

Finding healthy food recipes for kids that are both nutritious and loved by little ones can feel like a daily challenge. Many parents worry about picky eaters, sugar-filled snacks, and time-consuming meal prep. If you are searching for healthy food recipes for kids, you are in the right place. This article features easy, tasty, and nutritious meals that support your child’s growth and make healthy eating more exciting. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or snacks, these healthy food recipes for kids are designed to be simple and kid-approved.   Why Healthy Eating Matters for Kids Children need a balanced diet to grow strong and stay focused throughout the day. Healthy food recipes for kids help introduce essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in fun and appealing ways. A variety of colorful, whole foods can encourage better eating habits and even reduce cravings for processed snacks.   1. Rainbow Veggie Quesadillas Why kids love it: They are colorful, cheesy, and easy to eat with fingers. Ingredients: 1 whole wheat tortilla ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese ¼ cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, green) ¼ cup corn 2 tablespoons chopped spinach Olive oil for cooking Instructions: Heat a pan and add a bit of oil. Place the tortilla on the pan and sprinkle cheese and vegetables on one half. Fold the tortilla and cook both sides until golden brown. Cut into triangles and serve warm. Tip: Using whole grain tortillas adds extra fiber to the meal.   2. Fruity Yogurt Parfaits Why kids love it: It looks like dessert, but it is a nutritious snack or breakfast. Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt ½ banana, sliced ½ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) ¼ cup granola 1 teaspoon honey (optional) Instructions: Layer yogurt, fruit, and granola in a cup. Repeat the layers and drizzle with honey if desired. Tip: Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium for strong bones and muscles.   3. Mini Veggie Muffins Why kids love it: They are soft, tasty, and fun to eat. Ingredients: 1 cup grated zucchini or carrot 1 egg 1 cup whole wheat flour ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup milk ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup shredded cheese Instructions: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into greased mini muffin trays. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Tip: These muffins are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.   4. Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowls Why kids love it: They get to build their own bowl with their favorite ingredients. Ingredients: 1 cup cooked brown rice ½ cup cooked chicken pieces ¼ cup steamed broccoli ¼ cup chopped carrots 2 tablespoons sweet corn 1 tablespoon soy sauce or sesame dressing Instructions: Add rice to a bowl and arrange chicken and vegetables on top. Let kids mix the ingredients themselves. Drizzle lightly with sauce. Tip: Use lean chicken and brown rice for more protein and fiber.   5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries Why kids love it: They are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon salt Instructions: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into strips. Toss with olive oil, paprika, and salt. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Tip: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants.   Making Healthy Eating Fun for Kids Here are a few ways to make healthy food recipes for kids even more enjoyable: Use cookie cutters to shape fruits, sandwiches, and pancakes Let kids help with washing, mixing, and serving Add a variety of colors to every meal Keep meals simple and avoid pressure during mealtime   Healthy Meals, Smarter Minds With the right approach, healthy food recipes for kids can be simple, delicious, and part of a fun daily routine. The meals shared above are designed to keep your child nourished and satisfied throughout the day. From rainbow quesadillas to sweet potato fries, each dish is packed with essential nutrients that growing kids need. And while you're helping your child eat better, consider supporting their brain development too. At Timedoor Academy, we offer online coding classes for kids that are just as exciting and educational as a well-balanced meal. Learning to code improves logical thinking, creativity, and confidence. Sign up for a free trial class at Timedoor Academy today and give your child the tools to succeed both in the kitchen and in the digital world.

In today’s digital age, screen time for kids is a hot topic among parents. Many worry that too much time in front of a screen could negatively impact their children’s physical health, mental well-being, and social development. However, the truth is, screen time for kids isn’t inherently bad. When used wisely and filled with the right kind of activities, it can actually bring many positive benefits. This article explores why the quality of screen time for kids matters more than simply limiting the hours. We’ll also discuss examples of productive digital activities, practical tips for managing screen time, and how parents can turn screen moments into opportunities for learning and meaningful family bonding. Look Beyond Just the Hours Most conversations about screen time for kids revolve around duration: how many hours per day is too much? But recent research suggests that the real impact depends more on what children do during that screen time and whether parents are involved. For example, watching educational shows, taking a coding class, or working on digital projects is far more beneficial than passively playing games or binge-watching entertainment videos. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents focus more on content, engagement, and interaction, rather than rigidly limiting screen time hours. What Makes Screen Time High Quality? High-quality screen time is screen time that’s used for educational, creative, or character-building purposes. Examples include learning to code, creating animations, joining digital art classes, reading e-books, or communicating positively with friends and family. Quality also improves when digital activities involve parents. Helping kids choose educational apps, discussing movies together, or working on a digital project as a family can strengthen your bond and build children’s confidence. The Benefits of Well-Managed Screen Time When managed properly, screen time for kids can foster many valuable skills, such as: Digital literacy and tech readiness: Preparing children for a digital-driven world. Critical and creative thinking: Boosted through solving coding challenges, creating digital projects, or editing videos. Communication and collaboration: Practiced in online classes, learning forums, or group projects. Character development: Encouraging discipline, curiosity, responsibility, and confidence. The Risks of Unsupervised Use On the flip side, poorly managed screen time can lead to negative outcomes like gadget addiction, sleep problems, reduced social interaction, and passive behavior. That’s why active parental supervision and guidance are essential in shaping healthy screen habits. How to Make Screen Time More Productive Here are some practical tips to help ensure screen time for kids is beneficial: Choose Educational Content WiselyOpt for age-appropriate learning apps, websites, or programs. Avoid content that’s inappropriate or irrelevant. Create a Balanced Daily ScheduleBalance screen time with physical activity, outdoor play, and enough rest. Watch and Discuss TogetherBe present during digital activities and talk about what your child is learning or watching. Offer Creative Digital OptionsIntroduce fun experiences like coding, graphic design, vlogging, or app-based science experiments. Make It a Family ActivityTry learning coding together, watching documentaries, or working on family-friendly digital projects. Coding Courses: A Great Example of Quality Screen Time One of the best examples of productive screen time for kids is enrolling them in coding courses. Coding isn’t just a trend — it builds logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It also promotes patience, teamwork, and curiosity. At Timedoor Academy, children can explore coding through structured lessons and real-world projects in a safe and supportive environment. With free trial classes available, it’s a great way to turn screen time into a fun, meaningful learning experience.