From Screens to Sunshine: How I Got My Kids Moving Again

By Annie, Mom of Three, Mission: Movement

If someone had told me five years ago that I’d one day be that mom — the one creating obstacle courses in the backyard with broomsticks and pool noodles — I would’ve laughed (while scrolling Instagram, of course).

But here I am, a mom of three beautiful, wild, screen-addicted kids — and proud to say we’ve made a big shift from screens to movement. And it’s changed everything.

The Wake-Up Call 📺

It all started during lockdown when screen time crept up in our home. First it was one episode, then another, and before I knew it, my kids were clocking more hours on YouTube and games than they were outside. Tantrums, whining, zero motivation... I felt like I was losing them to glowing rectangles.

One evening, I watched my youngest trying to open a snack packet with little success. Her fingers just didn’t have the strength. My middle child was tripping over his own feet during a game of tag. And my eldest? She had forgotten how to skip. That was my wake-up call.

Operation Move!

I didn’t want to shame them or go on a tech detox warpath. I wanted to inspire them to move — to love it the way they once did when they were toddlers bouncing on the bed or dancing in the kitchen.

So, I made it my mission: to make movement fun again. No drills, no shouting — just playful, joyful, active days.

Step 1: Movement Mornings

Before any screen goes on, we move. Just 20–30 minutes of dancing, stretching, or obstacle course fun. We call it “Movement Mornings” and sometimes it's as simple as hopping like frogs or copying animal moves. It sets the tone for the day.

Step 2: The “Fun First” Rule

Now, before they get screen time, they must do one fun physical activity. Not a chore, but a choice:

Bike ride to the park

Balloon volleyball in the lounge

A YouTube kids yoga session

Catching and throwing challenges in the backyard

Even the dreaded “bored” word has become a game — they’ve invented new moves like “potato crawl” and “sock slide wrestling.”

Step 3: Community & Creativity

I invited a few neighborhood kids over and started mini movement playdates. We play old-school games like Red Light, Green Light and musical statues. They love it — and not one phone in sight.

I also created a “movement jar” filled with folded papers that say things like “crab walk across the lounge” or “10 jumping jacks then run around the house twice.” When they’re stuck or arguing? Pick a paper. Works every time.

The Changes I’ve Seen

My kids are stronger, happier, and surprisingly more creative. They argue less. They sleep better. And even though we haven’t banned screens completely (I’m not a superhero), they now see them as just one part of the day — not the whole show.

Our family laughs more. We move more. And we connect in a way we weren’t doing before.

If You’re in the Same Boat...

Start small. One dance session. One silly game. One balloon in the living room. You don’t need fancy equipment or big plans. You just need movement, fun, and a bit of patience.

I used to worry I wasn’t doing enough. Now, I know that just by showing up, playing alongside them, and saying “let’s move,” I’m giving them a gift that’ll last a lifetime.

Screens will always be there — but so will our backyards, our music, our imaginations... and our ability to MOVE.

Let’s raise a generation that loves to move.

And if your living room ends up looking like a jungle gym? You’re doing it right.

With sweaty hugs,

Annie

1.How can we develop motor skills of a 3-year-old baby at home?

Great question! At age 3, children are developing both gross motor skills (big movements like running and jumping) and fine motor skills (small movements like using fingers and hands). The best way to support this development is through play-based, hands-on activities that are fun, safe, and age-appropriate.

Here’s a guide to developing both types of motor skills at home:

🏃‍♀️ GROSS MOTOR SKILLS (Large Muscle Groups)

What to Focus On:

Balance

Coordination

Strength

Body awareness

✅ Fun Home Activities:

1.Dancing to Music

oPlay upbeat music and dance together. Try freeze dance or copy-my-move games.

2.Obstacle Course

oUse cushions, chairs, and tunnels (or boxes) to create crawl-under, jump-over stations.

3.Jumping Games

oDraw chalk circles outside or use floor tape indoors. Let your child jump from one to another like a frog.

4.Animal Walks

oPretend to be different animals: hop like a bunny, waddle like a duck, stomp like an elephant.

5.Ball Play

oPractice rolling, kicking, and gentle throwing with soft balls. Use buckets or baskets for target practice.

6.Balancing Act

oWalk on a line (tape on the floor), a log, or a low curb. Try balancing a bean bag on their head.

✋ FINE MOTOR SKILLS (Small Muscle Groups)

What to Focus On:

Hand-eye coordination

Finger strength

Precision

✅ Fun Home Activities:

1.Playdough or Clay Play

oSqueeze, roll, flatten, and cut shapes. Add buttons or beads to push in for extra fun.

2.Sticker Play

oLet them peel and stick stickers onto paper. It strengthens the pincer grip.

3.Threading and Beading

oUse large beads and string, or pasta and shoelaces, to create necklaces.

4.Simple Art

oDrawing, painting, or finger painting helps with grip and creativity. Use thick crayons or markers.

5.Puzzles with Big Pieces

oWooden or foam puzzles are perfect for strengthening coordination.

6.Cutting Practice

oUse safety scissors to cut along lines on paper (zig-zags, curves, straight lines).

7.Building Blocks or LEGO DuplooHelps with grasping, hand control, and imagination.

🧠 Tips for Parents

Make it a game: Kids this age learn best through play and fun.

Keep sessions short: 10–15 minutes is plenty for focused activities.

Offer lots of praise: Celebrate effort, not just success.

Involve them in real-life tasks: Let them pour water, help stir batter, or tidy toys — all of this builds motor skills too!

🌼 How Do I Teach a 3-Year-Old at home?

Three-year-olds are curious, excited, and full of energy — the perfect age to learn through play, love, and everyday moments. Here are some of my favorite ways to support learning at home:

📚 Read Together – Every Day

Reading is one of the best things you can do. Choose fun, colorful books that are sturdy enough for little hands. Some great ones are Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and anything by Dr. Seuss or Eric Carle.

As you read, pause to ask questions:

“What do you see here?”

“What color is that?”

“How many apples are there?”

“What do you think will happen next?”

Let her answer in her own way — it's all about interaction, not perfection.

Read slowly and clearly, using your normal voice with expression. There’s no need to speak in a baby voice — children understand more than we often give them credit for. Just talk to her like she’s a real little person (because she is!).

🗣️ Talk About Everything

Whether you're shopping, cooking, or driving, talk about what you see and do:

At the shop: “What kind of pasta should we get?” or “Can you spot something red?”

In the kitchen: “This milk is cold! Should we pour more or less?”

On a walk: “Can you hear the birds? What are they saying?”

These little chats turn everyday routines into learning moments. She’s absorbing so much just from hearing your words and being included.

🍎 Get Her Involved at Home

Let her help you with small tasks — she’ll love it!

In the kitchen, let her help measure, pour, stir, and taste.

At the table, she can place napkins or count how many plates you need.

Washing dishes or playing with water and bubbles at the sink is not just fun — it's learning!

Even playing with ice in a bowl or colored water in cups becomes a sensory and science activity. Let her explore.

🎲 Play Simple Games

Easy board games like Candy Land or Hi Ho! Cherry-O are great for learning to take turns, count, match colors, and be a good sport. It’s not about winning — it’s about playing together.

💬 Connect Through Conversation

Every moment is a teaching opportunity — but it doesn’t have to feel like school. Laugh together. Ask her questions. Praise her when she tries something new. Explain things in simple ways, even if it feels basic. She's learning every second just by being with you.

❤️ Final Thought

The most important thing you can give your child is your time and presence. Teach through love, play, talk, and shared experiences. Celebrate her curiosity and support her discoveries. It may seem small now, but every little moment helps shape her future.

You're not just teaching — you're building a strong, confident, joyful little human.

Would you like this as a printable handout or blog post format? I’d be happy to help!

Sure! Here's your content rewritten as a blog post from the perspective of Leigh Anne, an occupational therapist working with preschool-aged children. It keeps the professional tone while being personal, practical, and engaging — ideal for a parenting or education blog.