How not to raise an iPad kid, according to 3 experts and 3 parents who have made the switch

• There's no simple answer to the right amount of screen time, experts say.
• It's more important to make intentional decisions rather than defaulting to screen time.

Like many complex parenting questions, there's no simple answer to the idea of how much screen time is too much. The family culture, schedule, and temperament of kids all play a role in deciding the right amount of screen time for your family, says Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

"The goal isn't to demonize screens entirely, but to create a healthy balance in your family's life," Ganjian told Business Insider.

And yet, when that balance falls off kilter, it's possible to reduce screen time in your home and recalibrate your children's expectations. Here's how.

Make other options more appealing

Since we live in a digital world, kids will have more and more access to screens as they grow. Setting up healthy habits means not just restricting screen time but also teaching kids how to manage the pull of digital distractions.

"The end goal is not to control how your child uses their time, but to teach them the skills to make smart decisions," said Dr. Jonathan Maynard, a pediatrician with Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California. "Giving them good experiences that don't involve screen use is one of the best ways to do that."

Jenna Hermans, a mom of four and author of "Chaos to Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break Free From Overwhelm," says setting kids up for success and making screen time reduction a positive experience is key.

"Keep a basket of art supplies next to the dining table, leave a guitar in the living room, a hula hoop or jump rope by the front door, or a basketball hoop on the garage door," she recommends. "Explain that with more free time away from screens, there are awesome activities they can do and new, fun ways they can spend their time."

Consider going cold turkey

Ganjian generally recommends a gradual reduction in screen time. Yet some families find going cold turkey is best for them. Laura Siciliano-Rosen did a monthlong screen elimination last year with her kids, who are 8 and 10.

"The kids did not take it well, but after the first week, it got easier for everyone, and there was more peace in our home," she said. The kids started drawing more, and even when the family reintroduced small amounts of screen time, "they are more balanced now with their on- and off-screen activities," Siciliano-Rosen said.

Create screen-free zones and times

Maynard recommends creating spaces and times when screens are nowhere to be seen. The most important? "Include one hour of screen-free time before bedtime each night," he said.

Keep all devices in another room during family mealtimes, and consider barring kids from taking their devices into their bedrooms. That allows you to keep an eye on your children's digital activities Maynard said.

Decide what must happen before screen time

Hermans emphasizes screen time should be in addition to downtime, not in place of it. Kids and teens need plenty of time to unwind, play, and relax away from screens. Set a rule that kids must read, play outside, or complete chores before getting on their devices, she says. Post a list and stick to it so your children know what to expect.

Find less-invasive options

Angela Sharp wanted to steer her daughter, who is now 9, away from YouTube and gaming. So, she offered an alternative: audio books and kid's podcasts.

"She'd much rather listen to an audiobook and simultaneously paint, draw, or craft than have visual screen time," Sharp said.

Helene Abiola made a similar switch for her 7-year-old son. "He seemed to be in a trance-like state staring at the screen," Abiola said. Now, he does legos or draws while listening to his favorite podcasts: "Wow in the World" and "Little Stories Everywhere."

Use technology to help you

Jamie Davis Smith, whose children are 13 and 16, started using the Screen Time parental control app this year to limit the time her children can spend on their devices. Her husband spent about an hour on the phone with Apple tech support to set up their plan, which includes limited TikTok and YouTube, with more time for music.

She also set her children's ages as younger on their devices so she can retain the most parental control. "I just set them all as babies," she said.

Model a healthy relationship with technology

If you're asking children to put down their devices, you have to lead by example.

"Modeling is the best way to create a healthy relationship with screens," Hermans said. "Whatever your kids are exposed to regularly will become the norm. If your phone follows you everywhere you go, your kids will think that's normal."

Being more intentional about screen time can be uncomfortable at first for kids and adults, but the benefits are worth it.

"By setting reasonable limits, offering engaging alternatives, and modeling responsible screen use, you can help your children develop healthy habits for the digital age," Ganjian said.