06/07/2026
"Mum... I think I want less screen time."
Those weren't words I expected to hear from my 10-year-old.
After seeing the new Toy Story movie, she came home and told me she'd been thinking about how much time she spends on screens. She decided she wanted to spend less time on her iPad and more time doing other things.
I didn't mention it at the time, but afterwards I realised the movie had sparked something. Not because anyone lectured her—but because a story helped her see things differently.
It was a lovely reminder that children don't always learn best from us telling them what to do.
Sometimes they learn through stories.
Through characters they connect with.
Through conversations that happen naturally afterwards.
As parents, we can feel like we have to have all the right words. But often, our biggest role is simply to notice those moments when our children are already reflecting—and be curious enough to keep the conversation going.
Have you ever been surprised by something your child took away from a movie or book? I'd love to hear what it was. 💙
