Loving My Work, Seeing My Kids: How I’m Learning to Do Both

Shawn Batten

I read an article about screen time and child development that really resonated with me as a parent. The piece doesn’t say “screens are evil” — it’s more nuanced: how much kids use screens, what they watch, and whether adults are involved all shape the effects. That idea — balance and intention over blanket bans — stuck with me.

As a parent, I struggle like most of us with having a moment to myself. We all have a full plate and expectations we put on ourselves or that are placed upon us. I get it, it's hard. But at what point do we stand up and make a change for our family? I cringe when my kids see me on my phone. It's hard, I get it — running a business like Laser Tag Ottawa as well as Batten Media House has made it even harder for me to ignore a customer inquiry when it comes in. Those messages are energetic and excited about us putting on their next event, and I genuinely get excited too. That in of itself isn't bad or wrong. The problem for me is losing valuable time with my kids — missing them talking about what “Joey” did at school today, or that they just noticed a cause-and-effect moment. That’s beautiful, and if I'm not careful, I'll miss those things.

What stood out in the article and in my own experience is that not all screen time is created equal. Educational, interactive content or co-viewing with a parent feels very different than long stretches of passive viewing. When screen use is intentional and limited, my kids seem more engaged, less irritable, and easier to redirect. When it stretches too long, I notice mood shifts, trouble focusing, and a longer transition back to “real” life.

I also think about the bigger picture: we have an opportunity to be part of a solution locally. Seeing our kids get more involved in the business makes this personal — if we can help create healthier, more active experiences for kids in our community, that would be meaningful. It’s not about demonizing technology; it’s about building spaces and habits that let kids play, learn, and connect without screens being the default.

So what am I trying to do differently? Small, practical changes: setting clearer times for phones, making a habit of truly listening when my kids want to share, and carving out device-free windows during the day. I still answer important business messages, but I try to batch the rest and be present when it matters most.

In the end, this article reminded me that balance is doable, even with a busy life. It’s worth the effort — for the little moments we won’t get back, and for helping shape how our kids grow up around screens.