Too much Screen-time causing hyperactivity? Try Kids Activities Printables

Today’s parents face a different challenge- competing with tablets, phones, and gaming consoles that seem to have our children under a spell. Constant use of screens is making kids restless, hyperactive and even forgetful of eating on time. Try the Kids activities Printables to give them screen-free time.

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Problem with Too much screen time

We’ve all been there.

The kids are restless, boredom is setting in, and before you know it, they’re glued to their devices again.

Parents want alternatives, but let’s be honest—most “educational activities” just can’t compete with the instant gratification of digital games.

You may have seen either 1 or few of these things in kids at your home:

• The inability to focus during homework.

• The constant fidgeting at the dinner table.

• The difficulty transitioning from one activity to another.

• And perhaps most challenging of all—the magnetic pull of screens that seems to amplify these behaviors rather than calm them.

The Screen Time Dilemma: What Research Tells Us

The American Academy of Pediatrics has consistently warned about excessive screen time’s impact on children’s development, particularly for those with attention difficulties.

Research published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children who spent more than two hours per day on screens scored lower on language and thinking tests, while those exceeding seven hours showed thinning of the brain’s cortex—the area related to critical thinking and reasoning.

A landmark study from the University of Alberta discovered that children with more than two hours of screen time daily were five times more likely to exhibit clinically significant behavioral problems, including inattention and hyperactivity.

The constant stimulation, rapid scene changes, and instant gratification that screens provide actually rewire how ADHD brains process information.Kids Activities Printables

Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of “Reset Your Child’s Brain,” explains that screen time triggers a “fight or flight” response in the nervous system.

For children suffering from hyperactivity—who already struggle with emotional regulation and impulse control—this creates a perfect storm of dysregulation.

As a coach or a parent you may not even need to read the books or the studies. You observe this all too well when the child reacts hysterically upon withdrawing the devices.

There must be a better alternative to Digital games.

Why Screen-Free Activities Work Differently for ADHD Brains

While screens overstimulate and scatter attention, purposeful screen-free activities actually help ADHD brains focus in many ways.

1. Single-Task Engagement Without Overstimulation

When a child with ADHD sits down with a puzzle, building blocks, or a hands-on game, their brain receives sensory input without sensory overload.

There’s no flashing colors, no jarring sound effects, no notifications competing for attention.

2. Natural Dopamine Regulation

ADHD brains have difficulty producing and regulating dopamine—the “reward” chemical.

Screens provide artificial dopamine spikes that create a dependency cycle.

Screen-free activities, especially those involving creativity and problem-solving, help the brain learn to produce dopamine naturally through accomplishment and sustained effort.

One of our little coaching client- 8 year old Sophia couldn’t focus on homework for more than five minutes.

We introduced a “work-reward” system using physical activity cards. After every 15 minutes of focused study, Sophia chose a movement card (jumping jacks, dancing, yoga poses).

This approach honored her hyperactivity while teaching her brain to focus in chunks. Six months later, Sophia’s homework completion improved by 70%.

3. Improved Executive Function Through Tactile Play

Executive function—the brain’s ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks—is often impaired in ADHD.

Screen-free activities like board games, construction toys, and art projects naturally build these skills.

4. Better Sleep, Better Focus

Research from the Sleep Foundation confirms that screen exposure before bedtime suppresses melatonin production and delays sleep onset by an average of 1.5 hours in children.

For kids suffering from poor attention span, who already struggle with sleep regulation, this is devastating. Poor sleep directly impacts attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control the next day.

Our 6 year old little client’s bedtime battles were legendary—until her parents instituted a “screen sunset” two hours before bed.

They replaced evening tablet time with quiet activities: coloring, storytelling with picture books, and simple craft projects.

Emma’s sleep improved within a week, and her teachers reported better focus and fewer emotional outbursts at school.

Practical Screen-Free Activities That Actually Work

As coaches, we need to provide families with concrete alternatives. Here are activities proven effective for children with ADHD and hyperactivity:

For High-Energy Kids:

• Movement-based games: Simon Says, freeze dance, obstacle courses
• Sports-based activities: Mini basketball, target throwing, jump rope challenges
• Outdoor exploration: Nature scavenger hunts, rock collecting, bug observation

For Focus-Building:

• Strategy games: Checkers, chess, pattern-matching games
• Construction play: LEGO challenges, building blocks, model kits
• Puzzle activities: Jigsaw puzzles (start with easier ones), tangrams, maze books

For Creativity and Emotional Regulation:

• Art projects: Drawing, painting, sculpting with clay
• Music activities: Simple instruments, rhythm games, singing
• Dramatic play: Puppet shows, dress-up, storytelling

For Mealtime Focus:

• Conversation cards: Age-appropriate questions that prompt discussion
• Table games: I Spy, 20 Questions, storytelling rounds
• Sensory tools: Fidget items that don’t distract (smooth stones, textured fabric)

For Homework and Study Time:

• Timer challenges: “Beat the clock” study sessions with physical breaks
• Study games: Flashcard races, quiz shows, teaching back to a stuffed animal
• Hands-on learning: Using manipulatives for math, acting out history lessons

Game-ON Kids Printables

You can also try a FREE Kid’s activities printable bundle where experts in the kids education have put together well-thought out printables.

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This bundle includes 30 high-value kids activities sheets you can download and print for your kids.

These activities are great for screen-free time indoors when the weather is cold or you can not take the kids out on vacation.

• The Secret of the Swapped Notes: A Detective Deanna Mini Mystery Mission from Nadia Arbach
• Sudoku Puzzles with Winter Animals PLR Template from Carrie Bach
• 10 Surprising Game Printables for Kids Guide and Templates from Sasha Hutchison
• Fall Fun Scavenger Hunt PLR Canva Template from Hella Collins
• 25 Kids’ Travel Activity Sheets from Cat Rowley
• Mystery Dossier Template Kit from Sara Saleh
• Holiday Trivia Games PLR Canva Templates from Mabel Vazquez
• Space Activity Pack Canva Templates from Faith Lee
• Brain Quest Challenge: Printable Puzzles & Logic Games for Curious Kids from Janet Giessl
• PLR Pink Winter Envelope Games from Rachel Mohl
• Christmas Activity Colossal Mega Pack from Aimee Bagshaw
• 10 Icebreaker Games from Christina Peterson
• Pirate Games Pack from Mona Iordache
• Party Printable Games: Base Canva Templates from Divya Karthik
• MRR 20 Halloween Word Searches from Julie Seeney
• Bible Games PLR Template from Shannon Belcher
• Exploring My Emotions Activity Pack from Charlene Manzoni
• Under the Sea Activity & Game Bundle from Kaycee
• United States Cute Animals Color Bundle from Christina Deptulski
• Classic Games Scavenger Hunt from Liz Houston
• Seasonal & Holiday Scavenger Hunts from Sundaee Sprouts
• Maze Puzzles from Dr Lilly Partha
• ‘Snow Much Fun’ Scavenger Hunt Pack from Jane Mouttet
• Mom’s Party Games Bundle from Ida Delos Reyes
• Tropical Birds Activity Pages for Kids from Clara Eljisr
• Creative & Critical Thinking Brain Buffet Pack from Aquita Shepherd
• Autumn Family Bingo PLR Canva Templates from Sophia Mims
• Everyday Adventure Puzzle Hunt from Kara Dreher
• PLR Game Templates from Alexis Karas
• Kids Activity Book Creators GPT Bundle from Marcy Patterson
• Ocean Animals Activity Book from Desiree Zega

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A Message to Coaches and Counselors

We’re not anti-technology.

We’re pro-child development. Screens aren’t inherently evil, but for children with hyperactivity issues, they’re often gasoline on a fire.

Our role is to help families understand that choosing screen-free activities isn’t about deprivation—it’s about giving overactive brains what they actually need to succeed: focused attention, physical movement, creative expression, and the satisfaction of completing real-world tasks.

When we guide parents toward intentional, engaging screen-free activities, we’re not just reducing screen time. We’re rewiring neural pathways.

We’re teaching self-regulation. We’re building executive function.

We’re giving these amazing, energetic, creative children the tools to focus when it matters—whether that’s studying for a test, enjoying a family meal, or building something they’re proud of.

Your Action Plan

If you’re working with families navigating ADHD and screen dependency, start here:

1. Assess current screen time honestly (most families underestimate by 50%)
2. Choose ONE focus area to start (mealtime, study time, or bedtime)
3. Select 3-5 screen-free alternatives matched to the child’s interests
4. Implement gradually using the phased approach above
5. Track progress using specific, observable behaviors
6. Celebrate small wins to build momentum and motivation

The Bottom Line- Kids Activities Printables

Screen-free activities aren’t just “nice to have” for children with ADHD—they’re essential for healthy brain development, improved focus, and better quality of life.

The research is clear. The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. And the children we serve are counting on us to guide their families toward choices that help them thrive.

Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, there will be resistance. But the child who can focus on their homework, enjoy a meal with their family, and fall asleep peacefully at night? That child is worth every bit of effort it takes to get there.

Let’s help families choose activities that honor their children’s need for stimulation while teaching their brains to focus—one screen-free moment at a time

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Which one stands out to you most, or is there a specific type of list you’re looking to create?

Which one stands out to you most, or is there a specific type of screen-free kids activities printable resonates well with your kid? Write to us and leave your suggestions.