Tots & Tummies

How to Set Healthy Screen Time Limits (and Make It Count)

Screens are an unavoidable part of modern parenting, but too much can lead to restless sleep, meltdowns, and a serious battle when it’s time to turn them off. The good news? You don’t have to cut screens entirely—just make them work for your family.

Set Clear Limits (and Stick to Them)

Children thrive on structure, and screen time is no exception. Set daily or weekly limits based on your child’s age and needs. For younger kids, an hour a day is plenty, while older children might need a bit more, especially for school-related activities. Use parental controls and timers to help enforce boundaries without constant nagging.

Encourage Quality Over Quantity

Not all screen time is created equal. Instead of endless cartoons or mindless YouTube scrolling, encourage your child to engage with content that teaches them something. A well-made documentary can spark curiosity, introduce new ideas, and even inspire hobbies.

Great Documentaries for Kids on Netflix

If your child is going to have screen time, why not make it count? Here are a few engaging, educational picks available on Netflix (and you can find even more on this list):

Our Planet – Stunning nature footage and important lessons about the environment.
Inside the Mind of a Cat – A fun, scientific look at our feline friends.
Dream Big: Engineering Our World – Inspires young minds to think big and build bigger.
The Short Game – Follows young golf prodigies chasing their dreams.
Night on Earth – Uses incredible technology to explore the world after dark.

These should still be available on Netflix, but you can check the leaving soon page to see what’s being removed.

Make Screen Time Social

Whenever possible, watch together. Asking questions, discussing what you’ve watched, and connecting it to real life makes screen time more meaningful. Plus, it turns watching into a bonding experience rather than just passive consumption.

Encourage Other Activities

The best way to reduce screen time is to provide engaging alternatives. Outdoor play, hands-on crafts, reading, and puzzles can all fill the gap left by excessive screens. If your child is reluctant to unplug, try a challenge—like a screen-free weekend—with a fun reward at the end.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to ban screens entirely, but setting limits and choosing high-quality content can make all the difference. Next time your child asks for screen time, consider steering them toward a great documentary—learning and entertainment in one.

The Best Family Movies on Netflix That You Can Only Watch with a VPN

Netflix has a great selection of family-friendly movies, but not all titles are available everywhere. Due to regional licensing, some of the best animated films, heartwarming classics, and adventure-filled favorites might be missing from your local library. Fortunately, with a VPN, you can unlock a wider range of movies and give your kids access to even more great entertainment.

Why Use a VPN for Netflix?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to change your virtual location and access Netflix libraries from different countries. That means you can watch movies that aren’t available in your region—perfect for families looking for more variety.

Must-Watch Family Movies You Can Unlock with a VPN

Here are some fantastic family movies that might not be available in your country but can be unlocked with a VPN:

Paddington (UK Netflix) – A charming adventure about a lovable bear navigating life in London.
The Iron Giant (Canada Netflix) – A beautifully animated story about friendship and courage.
Kung Fu Panda (Japan Netflix) – Action, humor, and heart come together in this DreamWorks hit.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (UK Netflix) – A witty and visually stunning stop-motion film by Wes Anderson.
The Incredibles (Australia Netflix) – One of Pixar’s best, following a superhero family balancing action and everyday life.
How to Train Your Dragon (Germany Netflix) – A breathtaking adventure about a boy and his dragon.

How to Use a VPN to Unlock More Family Movies

Using a VPN is simple:

1. Choose a reliable VPN service that works with Netflix.
2. Install the VPN on your device and connect to a server in the country where the movie is available.
3. Open Netflix and enjoy a brand-new selection of family films!

Whether it’s animated classics or feel-good adventures, using a VPN lets you access the best family movies Netflix has to offer—no matter where you live.

Raising Kids in South Africa as a UK Expat

Moving to South Africa with kids as a UK parent is an exciting mix of adventure and adjustment. The sunshine and outdoor lifestyle are a huge bonus—weekends often mean trips to the beach, exploring nature reserves, or enjoying a braai with friends while the kids play outside. The pace of life can feel more relaxed, but things like navigating healthcare, schooling, and security take some getting used to. Many expats opt for private or international schools, which provide high-quality education and a familiar curriculum, making the transition easier for children.

Of course, there are things you inevitably miss—whether it’s the convenience of UK public transport, certain foods (good luck finding a proper crumpet), or simply the familiarity of home. TV is one of those small comforts that can help bridge the gap. While South Africa has its own selection of channels and streaming services, UK expats often find themselves wanting to keep up with Strictly Come Dancing, Match of the Day, or their kids’ favorite CBeebies shows. Thankfully, a VPN makes it easy to access BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and Channel 4, letting you bring a piece of home with you wherever you are.

Despite the adjustments, raising kids in South Africa has plenty of advantages. There’s a strong sense of community, childcare is more affordable than in the UK, and there’s no shortage of adventure, from safaris to weekend road trips. While you might miss certain comforts, it doesn’t take long to settle into a new rhythm. With the right mindset—and a few workarounds for those UK essentials—South Africa can be a fantastic place to raise a family.