How to: Healthy & Fun Screen Time for Grandparents and Grandkids

Written By Julia Storm

In this post I am bringing you a practical guide. So many parents talk to me about trying to get their own parents (their kids’ grandparents) on board with healthy screen time limits and how challenging it can be. Grandparents don’t want to play the role of the strict parent and often they’re content to let the kids run the show when it comes to screen time. Additionally, many grandparents may not feel totally comfortable with new technologies, leaving them in the dark about how to create healthy limits even if they’d like to.

Ultimately we want our children to connect with their grandparents when they’re spending time with them. If screens are going to be in the equation then why not use technology to further bonding and learning together? Below I have curated a list of apps and games that can foster connection in different situations in which grandparents might find themselves. Take a look, share with a grandparent and leave a comment with your own ideas!

👉Technology is most helpful when it’s shared, intentional, and social.
👉The goal isn’t more screen time — it's a meaningful connection.


Apps for Communicating & Staying Connected

Great tools for connection:

  • FaceTime

    For video or audio only calls

  • WhatsApp

    For video calls, phone calls or texting

  • Marco Polo

    For asynchronous video messages that can be recorded and sent anytime

What to do during video chats:

  • Read a story together

  • Share old photos and tell the stories behind them

  • Let kids interview grandparents about their childhood

  • Hang out and chat while cooking, cleaning your room or any other activity

Ways to Play Together From a Distance

Interactive games you can enjoy together:

Best Ways to do TV Watching

Best practices:

  • Watch together, not separately

  • Pause and talk about what you see if it’s interesting

  • Choose age-appropriate content

  • Have a clear time limit - under 1 hr recommended unless it’s a movie

Helpful resource for choosing age appropriate shows and movies:

For YouTube:

  • Allow only a small, parent-approved list of channels

  • Keep and eye on it and watch together

  • Avoid endless scrolling and YouTube Shorts

Great Video Games & Interactive Apps

Games that support creativity and connection:

Let kids set things up and explain how it works — teaching builds confidence.

Favorite Creativity Apps (All Ages)

Create together:

Let the Older Grandkids Lead:

Ways teens can teach grandparents:

  • Setting up apps or devices

  • Troubleshooting tech issues

  • Sharing favorite music and talking about it

  • Making a short video or reel together (with parent approval)

Special family storytelling tool:

  • StoryCorps
    Create audio record family stories that will end up in the Library of Congress

What to Avoid:

  • Unlimited time - Have time limits and enforce them 

  • Video games you can’t interact with

  • Social media scrolling

  • YouTube scrolling without a clear plan

Simple Ground Rules That Help:

  • Keep screens in shared spaces

  • Stay nearby and engaged

  • Use screens intentionally — not out of habit

  • When unsure, check with parents

  • Establish time limit and when it’s over put devices out of sight


Have Screen-Free Options Ready:

Helpful to keep on hand:

  • Art and crafts materials

  • Board or card games

  • Sports equipment 

  • Old photo albums

  • Music listening equipment or instruments

  • Cooking or baking supplies




Julia Storm
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