The Wait Without Screens Mission
Founded by Cynthia Terebush, Early Childhood Specialist, Wait Without Screens is a public-awareness campaign encouraging adults to help young children experience, manage, and even enjoy everyday waiting without automatically handing them a device.
This is not an anti-screen campaign. It is a reminder that not every wait needs a screen. Waiting gives children opportunities to talk, play, notice the world around them, use their imaginations, tolerate a little boredom, and develop the ability to wait.
Why Waiting Matters
Learning To Wait
Waiting is a skill children develop through experience. Everyday waits give children opportunities to practice handling small delays and frustration.
Connection & Discovery
Screen-free waiting can create time for conversation, noticing what is happening around them, wondering, imagining, and playing together.
Comfort with Boredom
Children don’t need every quiet moment filled for them. Experiencing a little boredom gives them opportunities to find their own ways to engage with the moment
The Research Behind the Campaign
Wait Without Screens is grounded in what we know about child development, relationships, play, self-regulation, and children's experiences with digital media.
Explore the research that helps explain why everyday screen-free moments can offer valuable opportunities for young children.
Screen-Free Ideas
Simple ways to connect, play, notice, and wonder while you wait.
Ideas for While You Wait
Talk While You Wait
Play While You Wait
Notice While You Wait
Simple conversation starters that turn everyday waits into opportunities to
Easy games that require no toys, supplies, or preparation.
Simple prompts that encourage children to observe, wonder, and discover what’s around them.
Founder Cynthia Terebush
Cynthia Terebush is an Early Childhood Specialist, consultant, trainer, and writer whose work focuses on how everyday interactions shape children’s learning and development. She founded Wait Without Screens to encourage adults to reconsider the automatic use of screens during everyday waits.
The campaign reflects a simple idea: not every wait needs a screen. Waiting can give young children opportunities to talk, play, notice the world around them, use their imaginations, tolerate a little boredom, and develop the ability to wait.
Reach Out
Have a question, an idea, or a Wait Without Screens story to share? I’d love to hear from you.