Screens are part of family life, and sometimes they’re exactly what’s needed. But kids’ imaginations grow best when given chances to play, explore and connect without TV, video games, phones, computers and tablets. With just a few small habits, families can spark creativity and joy every day.

Colour Your Day

Instead of asking, “How was your day?” try, “What colour was your day?” (or even “What animal?” or “What shape?”). Kids choose, and the family guesses what it means—Was red an exciting recess game, or orange a silly moment in gym class? This playful twist not only gets kids talking, but it also helps them reflect in a way that feels fun and imaginative. Many families find it becomes a ritual that makes the transition home something to look forward to. You could even create a colour chart by the door as a fun way to check in when the kids arrive home.

Story Games at the Table

Mealtimes can be a launchpad for creativity. Try “family Mad Libs,” where everyone adds silly words to complete a story, or pick a random word and invent its meaning together. The sillier the better—kids love when the grown-ups get goofy too. These little games turn dinner into connection time, bubbling with laughter and imagination. The classic “Would you rather?” game is another hit. Try something like: Would you rather swim in a bathtub full of Jello or drive a car made out of marshmallows?

Recycled Art Projects

Everyday objects can spark creativity too. Collect beach or forest treasures, bottle caps or household recycling and turn them into art. Not only does this encourage problem-solving and design skills, but it also teaches kids about caring for the environment. One project might become a colourful collage, another a homemade sculpture. It’s messy, fun, and meaningful.

Podcasts for Play

Podcasts are a wonderful screen-free tool. Whether it’s a storytime series or an educational adventure, audio sparks imagination while keeping kids’ hands free for drawing, LEGO or pretend play. For highly rated kids’ shows, try the Go Kid Go network.

Create a Safe Play Space

A dedicated play zone stocked with simple, sturdy toys (blocks, costumes, art supplies) and free of “off-limit” temptations (like delicate furniture, expensive art or open outlets) encourages kids to dive into independent play. When children know they have a safe, welcoming spot to be themselves, their creativity naturally flourishes.

A Balanced Approach

Experts recommend that children ages two to five enjoy no more than an hour of high-quality screen time daily, while older kids may handle more, as long as it’s balanced with sleep, activity and family time. But remember, there’s no need for guilt if you use screens when you need them. Think of screens as one tool among many; not the enemy.

The Takeaway

By weaving in small traditions—colour games, story swaps, recycled art, podcasts and safe play spaces—parents can give their kids daily chances to flex their imagination. It’s not about eliminating screens completely, but about creating a balance where creativity can shine.

And who knows? The next time you ask your child what colour their day was, the answer might just be “rainbow.”

Screen-Free Fun at a Glance

• Colour Your Day: Ask, “What colour was your day?” and guess what it means.

• Story Games at the Table: Play Mad Libs, invent silly words or try “Would you rather?”

• Recycled Art: Turn outdoor finds or recycling into collages and sculptures.

• Podcasts for Play: Try kid-friendly podcasts to spark imagination while little hands stay busy.

• Safe Play Space: Set up a zone with blocks, costumes and art supplies where kids can play freely.

For the past year, I’ve been working on a podcast with my six-year-old daughter, Sayla. It all started with a bedtime story about two mischievous raccoons—Penny and Joe—that made her laugh night after night. And just like that, a podcast was born.

If your child loves storytelling, silliness or making sound effects into a microphone, podcasting can be a powerful and joyful creative outlet. It’s a way to build confidence, collaborate and capture a snapshot of who they are right now.

But beyond the creativity, podcasting with your child is a surprisingly meaningful way to deepen your bond. It invites teamwork, shared laughter and long stretches of focused time together—something that can be rare in our busy lives. Kids love being heard and taken seriously, and podcasting creates space for both. It also opens the door for emotional literacy: through characters and stories, kids can express feelings they might not otherwise talk about. You get to witness their imagination in full flight, and they get to see you show up not as a boss or teacher—but as a partner in play.

Here are 12 fun, practical tips for starting your own podcast with your kid:

1. Let Them Lead (Kind of)

Let your child help shape the show—character names, themes or story ideas. Give them ownership but keep a light structure to guide things along. Think of yourself as the guide rail, not the director.

2. Make It About Play, Not Perfection

Embrace improv using the “Yes, and…” rule. This classic tool from improvisational theatre keeps stories flowing without shutting down ideas. When your kid says something unexpected—like “my character is a jellybean with laser eyes”—don’t correct it. Say: “Yes, and now the jellybean has to save the moon!” The best moments are unpredictable, and that’s part of the fun.

3. Simplify Your Life with These Easy Tools

There are tons of tools out there, but here’s what we use and love:

• Recording: Riverside is easy to use and records high-quality audio, even remotely.

• Publishing: Spotify for Podcasters distributes episodes across all the major platforms, including Apple Podcasts.

• Website: Podpage builds a professional-looking site with no tech stress—it auto-updates when you release new episodes.

•Networks: You can also explore kid-focused podcast networks if you’re looking to expand your reach. Some are open to pitches from indie creators.

4. Make It Short

Five to 10 minutes is ideal. Kids’ attention spans are short—and so is your editing window. Short episodes make it easier to stay consistent and keep things fresh.

5. Snacks Are Your Executive Producers

Hungry kids don’t podcast well. Keep snacks handy. No further explanation needed.

6. Sound Effects = Instant Joy

Encourage your kid to make their own sound effects—squawks, creaks, burps, explosions. Homemade audio chaos is part of the charm.

7. Use Podcasting to Build Emotional Literacy

Let characters explore big feelings: jealousy, frustration, bravery, friendship. Through play, kids naturally learn how to express and name emotions in a safe, playful way.

8. Create Recurring Bits

Repetition builds routine and it’s comedy gold for kids. Use a silly catchphrase like “By the power of Pickle Pants!” or add a “word of the day” that triggers a special sound. It gives structure and makes the experience even more interactive.

9. Release Expectations, Not Just Episodes

Some weeks, you’ll record three episodes. Some weeks, none. It’s okay. Don’t measure success by productivity. You’re making memories, not a media empire.

10. Start with What They Love

Ask your kid what they find funniest, coolest or silliest. That’s your story seed. Our show started with a single bedtime giggle fit—and grew from there.

11. Make a Goal, not a Deadline

A flexible schedule is your friend. Set a goal like “10 episodes this season,” but don’t stress if life delays you. Podcasting with kids happens on kid time.

12. Follow the Feedback

If listeners love a character or catchphrase—lean into it. Ask your kid what they enjoy most, too. Let your podcast grow as they grow.

And most of all—have fun with it.

Podcasting with your child isn’t about going viral. It’s about showing up, being silly and creating something together. Years from now, you’ll be able to hit play and remember exactly who they were, and who you were—right there in the blanket fort with a mic and a snack.