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Picture this: you’re in the middle of feeding your newborn, your toddler or preschooler is tugging at your sleeve, and the easiest thing to say is:
“Sweetie, why don’t you watch an episode of Bluey while I finish with the baby?”
It works in the moment—quiet, distraction, and a little breathing room. But before you know it, one episode turns into two, then into daily battles when it’s time to turn the TV off. Suddenly, screen time feels less like a tool and more like a trap.
You’re not alone. Many parents find that during the chaos of adding a new baby to the family, screen time skyrockets for older siblings. What starts as a short-term survival strategy often leads to bigger struggles: meltdowns, constant begging for TV, forgotten meals, and mornings filled with tears instead of peace.
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Why Screen Time Becomes a Battle
One of my friends shared her story: when her second baby arrived, her four-year-old suddenly seemed addicted to TV. What started as a way to keep her daughter calm while tending to the baby became a cycle of:
• “Just one more episode.”
• Refusals to eat without a show.
• Emotional meltdowns when the TV turned off.
• A tired mom who just wanted quiet.
Like so many parents, she never meant for screens to take over—it just happened.
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The Turning Point: Finding a Plan
She realized she needed a plan to cut back. Going cold turkey wasn’t realistic (or kind). Instead, she found success in three steps:
1. Create a daily rhythm – saving screen time for predictable moments like after lunch.
2. Introduce sensory play – hands-on activities that engaged her child without screens.
3. Offer lower-stimulation alternatives – activities that calm rather than overstimulate.
The result? Fewer meltdowns, smoother mornings, and the ability to turn off the TV without a fight.
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How Wondertivity Books Can Help
This is where Wondertivity Busy Books shine. They are beautifully handmade felt books designed for independent, screen-free play—perfect for keeping older siblings engaged when parents are busy with a newborn.
Instead of defaulting to a show, you can say:
“Here’s your special Wondertivity book. Can you zip, buckle, and match while I feed the baby?”
These books:
• Encourage independence – children can play and explore on their own, without needing constant direction.
• Soothe overstimulation – unlike fast-paced shows, felt textures and fine-motor tasks calm little minds.
• Build real skills – from early math and literacy concepts to fine motor strength and imaginative play.
• Feel special – an older sibling’s “busy book time” can be framed as their unique role while mommy or daddy cares for the baby.
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Life After Screen Struggles
My friend told me that once she swapped out endless cartoons for Wondertivity play, her daughter became calmer, more creative, and far less resistant when it was time to turn off the TV.
Five years later, she reflects: “Getting screen time under control made everything better—fewer meltdowns, more peace at home, and way more creative play.”
And that’s the magic of giving kids the right tools.
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Final Thoughts
The transition to a bigger family is never easy, but you don’t have to rely on screens to hold things together. Wondertivity Busy Books provide a quiet, independent, educational alternative that not only eases the chaos but helps your older child thrive during one of the biggest adjustments of their young life.
👉 Explore Wondertivity Busy Books today and make the shift from screen battles to meaningful play.
