# [The experiment that changed how we do screens](/content/p/the-experiment-that-changed-how-we/index.html) ### By [Meghan Fitzgerald](https://substack.com/@meghannolanfitzgerald) ### May 13 How we stopped exploding and started co-piloting 6 Comments --- ### [Grand-Parenting](https://substack.com/profile/244548583-grand-parenting?utm_source=substack-feed-item) - May 13 >Kudos!! I’m impressed. I’m doing something similar, asking the kids participation in making up guidelines. Our recent negative experience with one HAS made me reassess my own screentime. We never use devices during dinner, while watching a movie together. I didn’t even have to set some guidelines. They follow our lead!! --- ### [Meghan Fitzgerald](https://substack.com/profile/1605941-meghan-fitzgerald?utm_source=substack-feed-item) - May 13 >They really do follow our lead! I think that’s why doing this and similar experiments and boundary setting work together makes such an impact vs having them learn about healthy screen use on their own. --- ### [Syd](https://substack.com/profile/400873004-syd?utm_source=substack-feed-item) - May 13 >This was a fantastic read (and listen), Meghan. Thanks so much for sharing the experiment. I have a 7-year-old, and she's been asking me for her own phone (!!) I talked to her just yesterday that we are a long way off from that, and had to acknowledge how we have a total lack of screen boundaries/habits. I'm a single mom, and I know I lean too heavily on letting her default to screens so I can get work done. This experiment feels like a good one for us to try together. Thank you again for sharing! --- ### [Meghan Fitzgerald](https://substack.com/profile/1605941-meghan-fitzgerald?utm_source=substack-feed-item) - May 13 (Edited) >I’m so glad! This experiment was just as impactful, if not more, for our kiddo who doesn’t yet have a phone vs those of us who do. Let us know how it goes for you! --- ### [Jenn Smukler](https://substack.com/profile/388187090-jenn-smukler?utm_source=substack-feed-item) - May 13 >Thank you for your honesty and the details of this experiment. I will bring this into our home and frankly see my husband struggling with this most. Will report back --- ### [Meghan Fitzgerald](https://substack.com/profile/1605941-meghan-fitzgerald?utm_source=substack-feed-item) - May 13 (Edited) >I’d love to hear what you find! Brian and I each struggled in different ways—some that surprised. It really did feel like our struggling in the open was helpful in making this meaningful to all.