Military Wives, Tech Time, and Finding Balance: It’s Okay to Take a Break

Being a military wife comes with unique challenges that many others may never fully understand. From frequent relocations and extended periods of solo parenting to the stress of deployments, it’s a life filled with both pride and sacrifices. Add kids into the mix, and things can feel overwhelming at times.

In those moments, it’s easy to turn to screens to keep the little ones entertained — and you know what? That’s okay.

Tech Time Isn’t the Enemy

For a long time I thought that tech time was bad. I talk a lot about getting kids off tech, which is good, but there is a balance to be had. There is a lot of pressure these days around limiting kids’ screen time, especially when you are juggling work and household stuff.

While it’s important to keep tech use in balance, the reality is that sometimes technology can be a lifesaver — especially when you’re juggling the day-to-day chaos of military life. Whether it’s a favourite show, an educational app, or just some quiet time with a tablet, don’t feel guilty about using tech to get through the tougher moments.

Remember, it’s about balance, not perfection. Tech time is part of modern life, and in moderation, it can give you the breathing space you need to recharge your energy.

The Power of Small, Simple Activities

When you do want to pull your kids away from their screens, it doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate event. Sometimes, the simplest activities can be just as effective at keeping them entertained and giving you a much-needed break. Here are some easy, low-prep ideas to get them engaged:

• Painting and Colouring: Lay down some newspaper, grab a set of paints or crayons, and let your kids get creative. It’s low-cost, low-mess (mostly), and can keep them busy for a solid chunk of time.

• No-Needles Knitting: This hands-on craft doesn’t require much setup and is an easy way to get kids working with their hands. It can also be a great calming activity that promotes focus.

• Playdough or Clay: Soft, squishy playdough is great for kids of all ages. They can mold, shape, and create while giving you a break from constant supervision. My kids loved the feel of Playdough. They just enjoyed making random shapes from it and mixing the colours up!

• Boredom Banisher Packs: Have a go-to kit of puzzles, drawing prompts, and easy crafts for your kids to dive into when you need a moment. Printables are a great, low-maintenance solution to keep on hand.

Taking Care of Your Own Sanity

As a military wife, you’re not just managing your kids — you’re balancing the emotional and physical demands of family life in a unique environment. Some days, you’re running on empty, and giving yourself permission to take a break, even if it means letting the kids watch their favourite show for an extra hour, is vital for your well-being. Just don’t mention the words “Peppa Pig”! :)

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sitting down with a cup of coffee, taking five minutes to breathe, or calling a friend to chat. The key is finding small moments to recharge yourself so you can better care for your family. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

So, if you find yourself turning to tech time more often than you’d like — don’t beat yourself up. You’re doing the best you can in a demanding role.

The fact that you care enough to think about your kids’ screen time already shows you’re a fantastic parent. This is really important. Like really important.

Balance is the goal, and sometimes that means more screens, other times it means pulling out the paints or stepping outside for some fresh air. Give yourself grace in knowing that both approaches are okay. You’re creating a safe, loving environment, and that’s what truly matters.

Final Thought

Whether it’s tech time or craft time, what matters most is the love and effort you put into raising your children. Take it day by day, and know that it’s okay to lean on technology when you need to.