Books can be wonderful tools for parents and caregivers to start meaningful conversations with their kids—especially about tough topics. One subject that can stir up strong emotions in families is screen time. When kids are deeply attached to their screens, discussions about setting limits can sometimes lead to frustration or defensiveness. And let’s be honest—it’s not just kids who struggle with this; adults do too!
If you’re considering introducing more boundaries around screen time—or even starting the conversation for the first time—this book is a fantastic resource Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard, illustrated by Samara Hardy for Crossway books. If you already have screen time limits in place that work well for your family, this book can help reinforce the values you’ve established.
In the story, Polly receives an “iTab” for her birthday and becomes so absorbed in it that she starts missing out on her favorite activities while visiting her grandparents and cousins. She absolutely loves her iTab and doesn’t want to put it down.
At one point, her grandfather gently shares some wisdom:
“Gramps thought for a minute. ‘No, it’s not wrong. But sometimes things that are good can make us miss out on something even better. God has given us many good gifts, but he says we can only truly enjoy them when they don’t take over our lives.’”
The book opens with this Bible verse:
“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up.” — 1 Corinthians 10:23
Throughout the story, the message is clear: tablets and screens aren’t bad in themselves, but when they start interfering with real-life experiences, they can become a problem.
What I love most about this book is its gentle and thoughtful approach—there’s no shame, just an encouraging reminder about balance. That’s why I think it’s such a great read!
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Recommended Ages: 3-8
Themes: Family, Responsibility, Faith, Self-Control
