Everyone is constantly warning us about too much screen time, being a modern parent (especially one who loves gaming) can feel like walking a tightrope. Add a newborn who’s a velcro baby (yes, I said it!), a toddler bouncing off walls, and a tween who craves real connection out of Discord, and suddenly, that screen might be the only portal to sanity and bonding.
But here’s a twist: in our household, screen time is sometimes the best kind of quality time—when it’s done intentionally.
👶 When the Baby Needs Me 24/7
Our newest party member arrived in full newborn mode: cluster feeding, contact sleep only, and serious snuggle demands. It’s beautiful… and really hard. The guilt creeps in, especially when my other kiddos feel sidelined. That’s where game night becomes more than just entertainment—it becomes intentional time together.
🎲 Why Game Night Wins
Instead of zoning out to a movie or bingeing anime (we do that too!), our game nights are interactive. We get to laugh, shout, strategize, and root for each other. Yes, sometimes the game is paused 100 times because the baby needs to nurse or the toddler needs attention, but the act of playing together creates a shared memory in real time.
Our go-to games? Super Mario Party, Mario Kart, and even a bit of Smash Bros when chaos is the vibe. My toddler dances to the background music, and our tween actually looks forward to hanging out with us. That’s a win in our book.
⏸ The Beauty of Pausing
What I love most is that these games allow for interruptions. We don’t have to finish a race or a level to have a good time. The pauses—whether to soothe the baby or grab snacks—become part of the rhythm of our family life. And while it might look chaotic from the outside, it’s our version of togetherness.
TV is passive. Gaming? It’s co-op.
❤️ A Note to Parents: It’s OK to Redefine “Screen Time”
Let go of the guilt. Screens aren’t inherently bad. It’s about how we use them. When we choose games that spark interaction, teamwork, and joy, they can become a tool for connection rather than division.
And if you’re like us trying to hold it all together while meeting everyone’s emotional needs, then maybe screen time is the quality time you’re looking for.
TLDR Takeaways:
- Newborns require a lot of attention, but interactive gaming helps bridge connection with older kids.
- Pausing a game to care for a baby isn’t failure—it’s part of the parenting co-op mission.
- Quality time isn’t about perfection. It’s about being present—even if a controller is involved.
- Screens aren’t the enemy. Disconnection is.
🎮 What’s your favorite family-friendly game? Or your best “game night meltdown” story? Let’s swap XP in the comments!
Here’s a picture of our newborn burrito! 🌯
