See into your child’s digital world with this 5-Minute Screen Time Challenge
A screen-time twist on the classic Rose, Bud & Thorn game
How successful are you when you try to peek into your child’s digital world by asking questions?
If you’re anything like me, or the thousands of parents I talk with, it’s often crickets.
“How was school?”
“Fine.”
“What are you doing on your phone?”
“Nothing.”
It’s not that kids don’t want to talk. It’s that most of us are asking questions that feel too big, too boring, or too much like an interrogation.
But what if we flipped the script and tried something that felt like a game?
Let me introduce you to a sneaky little screen time challenge that works like a charm. It takes 5 minutes, no prep, and opens the door to meaningful connection.
The Challenge: Play “Rose, Bud & Thorn” - Screen Time Edition
“Hey, I want to try a 5-minute game I just learned called Rose, Bud & Thorn. Want to play?” (Pro tip - if you have a child that would say “no”, ask “When can we play this today?”)
Here’s how it works:
Rose = A highlight or positive moment from your day
Rose Bud = Something you're looking forward to developing or learning, how you’d like to grow
Thorn = Something negative, something that was hard, annoying, or frustrating in your day
Now here’s the twist:
You do it about your screen time today. Whatever tech you’re using - YouTube, TV, Instagram, Fortnite, your screen time habits in general - that’s what you’ll talk about.
Why You Should Go First (and What It Models)
Before you ask your kids to reflect on their digital habits, show them how you do it.
Here’s an example:
“Okay, my Rose with tech today was that I had a fantastic lunch with your Aunt Sarah and we left our phones in our bags the whole time. It was so nice to not get distracted by a text or phone call that could wait until later.
My Thorn was the person next to us in the restaurant. She was FaceTiming someone on speaker phone, loudly. Everyone around her could hear some pretty personal details. Ugg.
And my Bud is wanting to do more of those social get-togethers without tech on the table. I forgot how refreshing it feels to really be present with someone.”
When you go first, you’re modeling your values around tech: being present, setting boundaries, and choosing connection over distraction. And you’re doing it without lecturing or preaching.
It’s quiet leadership.
And kids notice.
Why this works:
It’s quick. No lecture. No big sit-down. Just a few minutes while you’re driving, eating, or brushing teeth.
It’s safe. Kids don’t have to spill their secrets. They’re just reflecting.
It’s reciprocal. When you go first, you’re not just teaching; you’re showing them what self-awareness sounds like.
And over time? You’ll start getting real insights:
What makes them feel good online
What they’re dreading
What’s bothering them: social drama, pressure, comparison, bad habits, you name it
What It Teaches:
This screen-time version of the Rose, Bud & Thorn game helps kids:
Reflect on how tech is affecting their mood and mindset
Build self-awareness around their digital habits
Practice digital resilience, one small moment at a time
And it reinforces that **screen time isn’t just something kids need to manage**. We’re all working on it.
Try it tonight.
You don’t need a script or a perfect moment. Just curiosity and 5 minutes.
Because the real goal here isn’t just to limit screen time—it’s to connect, to understand your child’s digital world, and to be their guide as they learn to navigate it.
P.S. Want more tools to build healthy digital habits?
Grab our free Family Tech Agreement template right here.