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- My kids rarely get screen time. ‘Toy Story 5’ reinforced why. (businessinsider.com)
A Mom Reflects on ‘Toy Story 5’ and Her Family’s Screen-Free Approach
When I became a mother eight years ago, I was uncertain about many aspects of parenting-except one: no battery-powered toys for my kids. It wasn’t medical advice or expert recommendations that shaped this choice; I simply found flashing lights and beeping sounds annoying. So, we embraced timeless wooden Montessori toys instead.
Today, my children are 8 and 6-year-old twins, and that principle remains unchanged. While their toy collection has expanded to include Lego sets and makeup kits, battery-operated toys-and especially anything with screens-are off-limits in our home.
So when the trailer for “Toy Story 5” revealed a tablet-like device as the movie’s antagonist, I knew it would strike a chord. And it did.
Screen Time Only on Family Movie Nights
In our household, screens are strictly reserved for Friday night “dinner and a movie” sessions. We pick a film together and share a meal in front of the TV. This approach sets us apart from many families in our community, where it’s common to see kids using iPads or smartphones during meals.
Of course, my kids are naturally drawn to screens-it’s hard not to be when even I find myself endlessly scrolling through social media during downtime. But I’m committed to fostering play that sparks imagination and real-world interaction rather than digital distraction.
‘Toy Story 5’ Captures the Toys’ Perspective on Screens
The movie centers on Bonnie, the child who receives a tablet to help her connect with friends, reflecting a reality many parents face today. The toys struggle to regain Bonnie’s attention as they observe other toys abandoned in favor of screen time. One poignant scene shows an entire family absorbed in glowing screens, disconnected from each other-a sight that hit close to home.
I want my children to engage with each other creatively, to build their own worlds, not to become passive spectators lost in apps.
A Reminder of How Quickly Childhood Flies
Beyond the screen time theme, the film touches on the bittersweet reality of growing up. When Jessie recalls her previous owner’s gradual drift away from toys, it reminded me how fast my own kids are changing-from giggling babies to independent kindergartners and soon-to-be teens who call me “bro” more often than “mom.”
After the movie, I asked my kids what message they took away. My oldest promptly said, “screens are evil.” While that’s a bit exaggerated-the tablet does end up helping the toys-it was reassuring to know they understand why we set these limits.
Back home, they excitedly grabbed the landline to call friends and share their impressions, just like I remember doing after watching the original “Toy Story.” Childhood may be fleeting, but moments like these make it all the more meaningful.
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- My kids rarely get screen time. ‘Toy Story 5’ reinforced why. (businessinsider.com)