How I Turned My iPhone Into a Dumb Phone

Let me be real with you: I was becoming one of those moms. You know the type—constantly scrolling while my toddler tried to show me his block tower for the fifteenth time. The mom guilt was eating me alive.

So I did something drastic. I turned my iPhone into basically a Nokia from 2005, and honestly? Best parenting decision I've made in months.

Step 1: Go Scorched Earth

First, I deleted all my ‘fun’ apps. Instagram, TikTok, that addictive word game I definitely didn't need—gone. If it wasn't truly essential (like maps, weather, or banking), it got the boot.

Was it painful? Yes. Did I feel like I was missing a limb for the first few days? Also yes. But stick with me here.

Step 2: Do Not Disturb, Ever.

I created a personal focus mode that's on constantly, only allowing notifications from my husband and my mom. During work hours, I added my boss to the mix. That's it.

This means that I get to be in control of when I’m receiving notifications, and not the other way around. My third cousin that I last spoke to 7 months ago won’t care if I need to call her back later.

Step 3: Minimalist Launcher Is Your Friend

This app completely transforms your home screen into something that looks like it belongs in a meditation retreat. Clean, simple, boring—exactly what I needed to stop mindlessly opening my phone.

Step 4: iPad Quarantine

Here's the genius part: I moved all my fun apps to my iPad, which lives in my bedroom. Want to scroll mindlessly? I have to physically go to another room, away from the kids.

It's like putting cookies on the top shelf—technically accessible, but just inconvenient enough to make you think twice.

The Results Are Real

My screen time dropped by 50% overnight. No exaggeration. I can actually leave my phone in another room now without feeling phantom vibrations. I'm present for block tower demonstrations and don't feel like I'm missing out on anything important.

The best part? My kids have stopped competing with my phone for attention because they're actually getting it.

Look, this might not work for everyone. Maybe you need Instagram for work or your family group chat is actually essential. But if you're tired of feeling like your phone owns you instead of the other way around, give this a shot.

Your kids (and your sanity) will thank you.

Have you tried anything to reduce your screen time? I'd love to hear what worked—or what spectacularly failed.