by BabyCenter Guest Blogger posted in Parenting

By Tabitha Blue
We?ve all fallen guilty to it -- it?s so easy to let screen time give us that break we need. And you know what" It?s okay! We all can use a break now and then. Yet in an ongoing battle against mindless entertainment for our kids, we find creative ways to keep it all in balance. Less television and internet means a better quality of life for us all.
When we turn off the screen it can encourage us to be more intentional, more productive, more interactive. Your family can enjoy the happy moments, instead of letting them slowly fade into the background of a TV show or video game.
So while the struggle is real we never give up. This is not a win-or-lose battle. It's a tug-of-war, a balancing act of give and take. We may lose some ground occasionally, but we never give in, we fight on to be healthier, more active, and enjoy life together more. Here?s our No-screen guide to entertaining your toddler.
Play with food.
You don't need anything crazy or expensive to keep your little one entertained. Food is all it takes, especially when you let your toddler play with it. Set out a tray of their favorite snacks, all cut up and ready to be devoured, or serve lunch deconstructed and let their creativity flourish. You can start with building towers, counting games, sorting colors... just get in there with them and show that it?s okay to play, at least when Mommy says.

Get outdoors.
When my littlest ones get restless, w...