Help Kids Quit Screens And Fall In Love With Movement This Summer

School’s out, summer’s in full swing, and the screens are already winning. The average child between the ages of eight and twelve spends four to six hours a day glued to a screen. Meanwhile, the CDC claims that only 24% of kids ages six to seventeen are getting enough physical activity (60 minutes or more per day).

But it’s not just the kids. Parents are also spending more time tethered to phones and tablets, often juggling work messages, social scrolling, and parenting content in between diaper changes and snack duty. It’s no wonder that for many families, real face-to-face time is slipping away.

So what’s the alternative? Real connection. Shared movement. Experiences that engage the senses and the body.

Why The Whole Family Needs A Movement Reset

Screens offer convenience. But they come at a cost. For kids, excessive screen time is linked to behavior issues, poor sleep, and reduced attention spans. For parents, it often adds to stress, anxiety, and feelings of disconnection.

Movement is one of the few remedies that works across all ages. Activities that involve touch, laughter, and outdoor exploration strengthen parent-child bonds and reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) in both adults and children. For moms especially, physical activity — even light movement like walking or dancing around the house — has been shown to improve mood, ease symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression, and foster emotional resilience.

Just 20 minutes a day of shared movement can:

• Strengthen attachment through eye contact, physical closeness, and shared rhythm
• Stimulate cognitive and sensory development in babies
• Lower stress and improve sleep for parents and children alike
• Rebuild the connection after long days of scattered attention

It doesn’t have to be complicated. For babies, activities like baby yoga, stroller walks, and babywearing dance classes can offer physical and emotional stimulation. For toddlers and preschoolers, anything from sidewalk chalk to sandbox digging and nature scavenger hunts can encourage movement and engagement.

But if you’re looking for something that grows with your child and stays fun year after year? Strider Bikes have become family favorites.

Strider’s Step-By-Step Learn-To-Ride System

Learning to ride a bike is an amazing way to get kids moving, and the balance bike method that Strider helped popularize is helping kids enjoy the freedom of two wheels younger than ever. Strider understands that building a love of movement can start young, really young. Their learn-to-ride system meets kids where they are developmentally and supports them at every stage.

Start at 6 months: The Strider 2-in-1 Rocking Bike introduces babies to the concept of balance and movement while securely seated. It strengthens core muscles, improves coordination, and most importantly, it’s fun. Parents can sit with their baby, make eye contact, and share in the moment without distractions.

Toddler striding:

The Strider 12 Balance Bike (STEAM-accredited) is designed for kids as young as one year old. With no pedals or training wheels, kids control the movement with their feet. It eliminates the fear of tipping and builds confidence through real-time success, while giving moms a front-row seat to independence in action. Plus, they’re built to last. Their handlebars and seat posts are designed to grow with kids through age 4, and many families say they’re so durable they pass their Striders down to siblings and even cousins!

Pedal when they’re ready:

The Strider 14x Convertible Bike (STEAM-accredited) grows with your child from ages 3-6. Once they’ve mastered balance, you simply add the pedal kit. No need to purchase a new bike and no tears from failed training wheels.

Every step of this system is built around play, autonomy, and progression. Kids lead. Parents cheer. Screens? They’re only there to capture the wins.

How To Start: Practical Tips For This Summer

Start by setting up a Strider Rocking Bike in the living room for your baby. When it’s in sight and part of daily play, it becomes a natural invitation for movement and discovery.

When they’re older, keep a Strider Balance Bike by the front door where it’s visible, accessible, and easy to grab on the way out. If the bike is ready, spontaneous adventures are more likely to happen.

Make weekend or after-dinner rides part of your family rhythm. Whether to the park, a trail, or just around the block. It’s low-pressure and high-reward, especially when it ends in snacks and smiles. Consider inviting neighbors or friends over for a toddler bike playdate. A little friendly competition or shared play can boost motivation and turn biking into a social highlight.

Finally, do movement together. Ride alongside your child, dance around the kitchen, or roll in the grass. Show them that joy lives in motion, and that it’s even better when shared.

Don’t you wish we all perceived movement as joy instead of a chore? Families that introduce Strider Bikes early often report:

• More independent and confident kids
• Smoother transitions and more restful bedtimes
• Fewer tantrums about screen time

Plus, riding becomes a way to connect as a family. No login, no algorithms, just good old-fashioned togetherness.

The Science Behind Active Play Vs. Passive Screentime

The benefits of active play aren’t just physical, they’re neurological and emotional too.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that excessive screen time is linked to poor sleep, attention issues, and increased rates of anxiety and depression in children. Meanwhile, studies from leading institutions show that regular physical activity boosts executive function, enhances learning, and supports emotional regulation.

Then there’s long-term impact: kids who ride and play actively are more likely to grow into teens and adults who value movement, not just during sports season, but for life. Moms who move regularly also report better mental health, more energy, and greater satisfaction in their parenting roles.

You don’t have to eliminate screens to help your child thrive. But you can offer something healthier and more compelling. Spark curiosity outside of the digital world, build their body confidence, and foster a love for movement.

When the days are long and the sun is out, Strider makes it easy to trade screen time for sunshine, one ride at a time.

Healthcare disclaimer:

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.