In our digital age, it’s become almost normal to see children eating with a screen tablet, TV or phone playing beside them. Meal time ends up becoming mechanical: a spoon in the mouth, a video in front, hardly any conversation. One mother decided to change that rhythm for her children and discovered that removing screens from meals brings far more than just silence.

From as early as six months, she tried to make every meal a screen-free experience. When children are very young, even prior to being verbal, they begin to taste food, feel textures, notice smells. Having meals without screens helped her baby explore food naturally. By holding their own spoon, touching food, tasting greens, vegetables, trying new shapes, everything felt more alive. Food becomes not just fuel but a sensory adventure.

As children moved into toddlerhood (around 2-3 years), the changes grew stronger. Without a screen, meals turned into laughter, questions, chatter. Every spoonful had attention. Colors of food, fresh smells, new tastes or combinations are all noticed. And because the family made it a habit, the children began to really look forward to meal time not just as something to get over, but something to share.

Read More: https://chikupiku.com/blogs/blog/screen-free-meal-for-kids 

Later, in preschool years (3-5), she introduced storytelling during meals. This is where ChikuPiku played a special role. Marathi picture books and audio stories became favourites. Rather than having a cartoon on screen, listening to a story while eating created a calm, joyful atmosphere. It encouraged imagination, listening skills, and bonding. Screen didn’t mean entertainment it meant someone speaking, someone listening, someone imagining.

By primary school year (5-7), the habit had settled. Meals without screens were normal. Children ate more, ate better. They enjoyed a variety of vegetables, fruits, and local dishes without rushing. They also had more meaningful conversations: about their day, songs they liked, things happening around. The mother found kids expressed themselves more, asked questions, and were willing to try new food without fuss.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. There were protests. Sometimes hunger, distractions, or days when parents were tired and screens seemed like the easy fix. But consistent effort, setting up an environment of warmth, praise when kids tried without screens, and leading by example (parents also avoiding screens) made a big difference.

What are some simple tips she recommends? Keep meal times regular, make the environment pleasant, include variety in food, illustrate through books or stories rather than videos, praise children when they eat well, and gradually make screen-free meals a habit rather than a rule.

At ChikuPiku, this is exactly what we support. Our Marathi magazines, audio stories, picture books, and creative activities are designed to make screen-free moments joyful, meaningful, enriching. When families choose screen-free meals, they choose connection over distraction, senses over stimulation, love over loneliness. Let’s bring back the magic of meals shared, spoken, savored. Because food is more than what’s on the plate it’s what we say, how we listen, and how we grow together.

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https://chikupiku.com/blogs/blog/how-to-introduce-rama-to-childrens 

About Us:

ChikuPiku is the Best Marathi Magazine for kids! We create fun stories, poems, and activities just for young readers. Each month, there’s a new theme to explore in our Marathi kids magazine. With sections like Science सैर, Nature & मी and हातांची जादू, children can learn through engaging content and their creativity also gets a boost!In addition to our magazine, we offer a fantastic collection of Marathi Audio Stories that make learning even more enjoyable. With over 365 audio stories for kids, children can listen to their favorite tales anytime. Whether it’s bedtime stories in Marathi or during mealtime, travel-time, our audio stories for kids are the best companions.

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