I have to admit that sometimes I will opt for what is easy and let him watch TV or play a game or two on the computer. For awhile it was the phone that he wanted to go on and my husband and I would let him. I know that there are some of you who are probably really good about this stuff and allow very minimal screen time, I applaud you! We are really working hard towards reducing the screen time in our house as well, and not just for my son, but for all of us!
Please don't misunderstand what I am saying though. It can go both ways. I don't necessarily think that TV and going on a computer/phone is bad from time to time, but there has to be a limit. I do believe that my son learned a lot from the shows and educational videos that he watched (we were selective with what he was viewing). I just think that we didn't realize the not so good things that were resulting from this screen time.
Now, I don't want you to think that we would just leave our son for hours on end watching TV or playing on the computer, either, with no interaction. It was usually for 30-45 minutes, an hour at the most, but even that we felt was too much and we needed to cut back. It all started over the Summer when I took a break from all social media sites and cut back on my TV time. It was great!!! I really saw a change in my overall mood and honestly I was less stressed. I realized if this is what I felt after taking a break, then my son probably would feel the same way.
We have completely cut out the phone and we do our best to not go on it when we are around him. It is hard at times, but it has made all the difference in his mood and behavior. He still watches TV and we will occasionally let him go the the computer, but it is very limited.
The one thing that I found that helped us get through those times of boredom and wanting to watch TV or go on the phone, was reading more. I went to the library and got tons and tons of books and just started filling the time with more reading. Below is a list of books that we have grown to love and thought that I would share! A lot of these books have great messages behind them and they are super fun to read!
For us adults, cutting technology out completely, might not be an option, but we can certainly take a break from time to time! I promise it is worth it!

Many Blessings,
