Screen-Free Activities for Calm Time at Home: Creative Breaks for Kids (and Parents)

by LISN Kids | available on iOS & Android

• 3 min read

Creating Calm in the Midst of Busy Days

After a long school day, many kids aged 6 to 12 return home overstimulated, tired, and emotionally wound up. As a parent, you might see this every afternoon — your child walks in the door, dumps their backpack, and either wants to veg out in front of a screen or spirals into frustration and tears. It's not always easy to shift gears from school demands to a peaceful home rhythm. And carving out "calm time" that doesn’t involve screens? That can feel impossible.

But here's the thing: kids actually crave boundaries. They also crave connection — especially after long hours of focusing, sitting still, and navigating social challenges. What they often don't crave (even if they think they do) is more screen time. So how do we create a screen-free calm time at home that helps reconnect their bodies and minds?

Why Screen-Free Calm Time Matters

Digital devices aren’t villains, but excessive screen time can overstimulate rather than soothe. While a tablet may seem like a quick fix to get 30 minutes of peace, research tells us that what children often need more is grounding: moments of sensory regulation, cognitive rest, and emotional connection.

Studies have shown that stories, audio calm-down exercises, and tactile activities can actually help kids wind down more effectively than passive video watching. The key is choosing the right kind of calm-time activities that balance structure and freedom.

How to Introduce Calm Time as a Daily Ritual

Calm time doesn’t have to be a battle. It also doesn’t have to come right after school — some parents find success introducing it just before dinner, or even before bedtime as part of the evening routine. The goal is to make calm time predictable and protected, not rushed or “punishment-like.”

Start by talking to your child openly: “Every day, we’re going to try 20-30 minutes of calm time when we all slow down and do something quiet that doesn’t involve screens. We can choose what we want — books, drawing, audiobooks, puzzles — anything calming.”

Ideas for Screen-Free Calm-Time Activities

Here are several relaxed, engaging activities that strike just the right balance between decompressing and staying gently occupied. The idea is not to "entertain" your child, but to offer them an opportunity to feel safe, anchored, and internally regulated.

  • Drawing or coloring: Provide quality paper, sketchbooks, and colored pencils. Avoid overly structured coloring pages; let creativity lead.
  • Reading independently: If your child is a confident reader, offer a comfy space, a snack, and let them choose their book.
  • Journaling or doodle-writing: Have a calm-time journal where your child can jot feelings, make lists, or just scribble.
  • Solo play kits: Quiet toys like kinetic sand, LEGO, wooden puzzles, or magnetic tiles can allow for silent concentration.

Listening to stories: Audio stories are perfect when your child wants to lie down or just rest. The iOS or Android app LISN Kids offers original audiobooks and series specifically crafted for kids aged 3-12. It's a thoughtful alternative to cartoons — and it sparks their imagination while giving their eyes and hands a break.

LISN Kids App

During this period, avoid chores, music with lyrics, or background TV. Let calm time feel sacred — a true pause, even if just for 20 minutes.

Troubleshooting the Transition

What if your child resists? It’s normal. Kids are used to instant stimulation, so a slower rhythm might feel unfamiliar at first. Reassure them by keeping it short at the beginning (10 minutes is a win!), and staying consistent. You might also invite them into storytelling or drawing together to help the transition feel collaborative, not imposed.

And remember, calm time isn't just for the child — use that moment for yourself. Drink a quiet cup of tea, or just breathe. Modeling calmness goes a long way.

Layering Calm Time with Other Routines

Calm activities can easily blend with other moments in the day. For example:

Think of calm time as an anchor in your day — not a demand, but a space. It helps your child rediscover their inner balance and teaches lifelong strategies for self-regulation. And in the midst of everything modern parenting asks of you, it also creates a pause for peace — for both of you.