Breaking the Screen Time Cycle: How Connecting with Animals Can Bring Kids of All Ages (Even Reluctant Teens!) Back to Family Time!
I hear from parents all the time: “My kids are glued to their screens, and I don’t know what to do short of taking everything away.” If you’re feeling this too, you’re not alone—but here’s a powerful (and peaceful!) alternative. Set aside some intentional time to read together as a family, or listen to audiobooks that dive into the wonderful world of animals and the deep connection we share with them.
Here’s a tip: schedule an evening or weekend day—pick a certain time and place every week—so it happens. Make this a priority, like you would with any other commitment. If you’re not sure how to discuss the book, look online for discussion questions. There are always resources available to help!
Reading doesn’t just break up screen time; it fosters conversation, curiosity, and closeness. If your kids resist? Do it anyway—remember, you’re the parent, and you can have a voice. You might be surprised at how much they actually enjoy learning about the bond between humans and animals. A kid and an animal can share something special that teaches empathy, responsibility, and compassion. Kids need to connect with animals in some way—it helps them grow in ways technology never can.
You’ll be surprised what you learn and observe about your children when they are around animals—how they interact, their patience, their ability to show empathy, and how they care for creatures that depend on them. You may even discover new strengths and qualities in your children that you hadn’t noticed before. Animals have a unique way of bringing out a softer, more connected side in kids, and it’s truly something worth exploring.
I’ve enclosed a list of movies, podcasts, audiobooks, and different ways to work with animals to give you a wider variety of options. This way, it’s not just about books—you’ll have a range of resources that will appeal to different interests and ages. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as these new traditions bring your family closer and give your kids a new way to see the world—one that’s a little less virtual and a lot more real.
Recommended Videos:
Recommended Movies/Documentaries:
Movies About the Human-Animal Bond for Families
“My Dog Skip” (2000)
A touching story about a young boy and his loyal dog, Skip, who helps him navigate life’s challenges and grow up. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty.
“Free Willy” (1993)
This classic film tells the story of a troubled boy who befriends an orca whale in captivity and fights to set him free, highlighting the strong bond that can form between humans and animals.
“A Dog’s Purpose” (2017)
A dog goes through multiple lives, helping different owners along the way, each time learning new things about love, loyalty, and his purpose in life.
“The Secret Life of Pets” (2016)
This animated comedy imagines what pets do when their owners are away, showing both the humorous and heartfelt bonds between pets and their owners.
“Charlotte’s Web” (2006)
Based on the beloved book, this movie follows the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a wise spider named Charlotte, emphasizing themes of friendship, kindness, and understanding between humans and animals.
“Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)
A thrilling and heartwarming tale about two dogs and a cat who embark on an epic journey to reunite with their human family, showcasing their loyalty and love.
“Dolphin Tale” (2011)
Based on a true story, this film follows a boy who helps save a dolphin that has lost its tail, forging a life-changing bond between the boy and the dolphin.
“Lassie” (1994)
A classic story of a courageous collie, Lassie, who helps guide and protect her family, showing the deep bond of trust between a dog and its humans.
“Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” (2009)
A tear-jerking true story about the unbreakable bond between a college professor and his dog, Hachiko, known for his remarkable loyalty even after his owner’s death.
“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” (2002)
An animated adventure about a wild stallion named Spirit who forges a special bond with a young Lakota boy. Together, they fight for freedom and explore the meaning of trust and friendship between humans and animals.
“Born Free” (1966)
A true story of a couple who raise an orphaned lion cub, Elsa, and eventually return her to the wild, demonstrating the balance between love and respect for wildlife.
“The Call of the Wild” (2020)
Based on Jack London’s classic novel, this film follows the journey of a dog named Buck as he forms an unbreakable bond with a man in the rugged wilderness, showing loyalty, courage, and companionship.
“The Fox and the Hound” (1981)
An animated Disney film about the unlikely friendship between a fox and a hunting dog, teaching lessons of friendship and the challenges of overcoming differences.
“Two Brothers” (2004)
A beautiful tale of two tiger cubs separated at birth and their individual journeys back to each other and to the people who care about them.
“March of the Penguins” (2005)
A documentary about the incredible journey of Emperor penguins, showing their deep commitment to family and the lengths they go to protect and care for their young.
“Old Yeller” (1957)
A classic film about a brave and loyal dog who protects his family in post-Civil War Texas. This emotional story demonstrates the deep love and sacrifices animals can make for their humans.
“Beethoven” (1992)
A fun and heartwarming movie about a mischievous St. Bernard named Beethoven who brings chaos and laughter to his family while forging an unbreakable bond with them.
“The Black Stallion” (1979)
A breathtaking story about a young boy stranded on a desert island who befriends a wild horse. Their deep connection continues when they return home and race together, showing trust and partnership.
“How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
An animated adventure about a young Viking who befriends an injured dragon, defying his village’s expectations and showing how understanding and empathy can form the strongest bonds, even with creatures we don’t initially understand.
“Eight Below” (2006)
Inspired by true events, this film follows the incredible survival story of sled dogs left behind in Antarctica and the dedication of their human to rescue them, highlighting the loyalty and resilience of animals.
“Flicka” (2006)
A beautiful story about a young girl who befriends a wild mustang, Flicka, and the connection they form as they fight for their freedom and independence.
“Babe” (1995)
A charming tale of a pig named Babe who wants to be a sheepdog. This family-friendly movie shows the strong bond between animals and the humans who care for them, as well as lessons about identity, belonging, and kindness.
“We Bought a Zoo” (2011)
Based on a true story, a family moves to the countryside to take over a struggling zoo, learning how caring for animals can help heal emotional wounds and bring a family closer together.
“A Dog’s Journey” (2019)
The sequel to A Dog’s Purpose, this film follows a dog through various lifetimes as he continues to care for and protect his owners, showing the enduring nature of love and companionship between dogs and humans.
If you are struggling right now, let’s talk. You can book an in-person or virtual visit.
Email or call anytime to schedule an in-person or virtual session. (817) 701-5438 | beckylennox2018@gmail.com
Speaking Truth,