'90s mom cancels streaming to thrift VHS tapes of classic shows for her kids: ‘Best idea ever...’

Technology fatigue is a real phenomenon, and people are already taking steps to combat it. There was a time when even the idea of touch screens thrilled children, but now parents are switching back to old ways to ensure balanced and healthy screen time. TikTok mom, Emmy Lou (@heyemmylou), was determined to cut back on her kids’ digital exposure and head to the thrift store with a clever parenting hack in mind. The mother reintroduced VHS tapes of classic shows from the ‘90s to her young kids to enjoy the best of both worlds. 

Lou posted a viral snippet to her TikTok page that showcased an aesthetic vintage arrangement of a tiny TV playing classic shows for children. A basket of VHS tapes lay on the floor, which included Bambi, The Lion King, Lady and the Tramp, and The Wizard of Oz, among others. The conscious mom wanted to make sure her kids were exposed to the right kind of entertainment, with no room for excessive screentime. She encouraged fellow parents to try out this method. An overlay text on the video with 223,000 views read, “‘90s babies, this is your sign to cancel your kids’ subscriptions + go thrift a little TV/VHS set up for your kids instead.”

In the caption, Lou emphasized that despite cancelling their subscriptions, her kids were “more entertained.” “No more ‘one more episode’ screen time battles either…I wish I had done this forever ago,” she wrote. The parenting hack was liked by 19,000 people, and dozens of comments acknowledged the post with love and support. “Love this! We canceled all our subscriptions and have been going to the library on Friday to pick out a movie for ‘Friday Night Family Movie Night’, it’s so fun!” penned a fellow parent, @amandamichelle.mc. Likewise, another parent, @restoringtradtion, said, “We switched to DVDs. Great for getting rid of that instant gratification. Many parents also shared benefits like fewer ads and saving more money with this method, in addition to reduced screentime.

However, some parents were not completely on board with the parenting trick, as most could not get their hands on a vintage TV set. “These TVs are nowhere to be found and cost $450 online because everybody wants to time travel,” quipped @reel.editor, and @mckaragreyy said, “I’ve been collecting VHS, but I haven’t found my perfect TV.” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that children should not have a screen time of more than 1 to 2 hours a day, a challenge for most parents. Excessive screen time can result in a range of behavioral and health problems. Obesity, irregular sleep, poor academic performance, violence and aggression in kids, reduced attention spans, and lack of physical play. 

Reducing screen time in today’s age can be a challenge for both adults and children. However, children lack self-control and need to be schooled about the dos and don’ts to inculcate a healthy lifestyle. To encourage healthy screen times, the Kids' Mental Health Foundation advises parents to lead children by example. “Check your own technology use. Remember, your children learn by watching you. Modeling healthy behaviors is important,” the report adds. Make family social media plans/gaming plans, and consider a 'technology vacation' that limits the use of devices. 

You can follow @heyemmylou on TikTok for more videos.