What actually helped us limit screens and survive toddler life in Belgium
Let’s get into some real mom talk.
When I found out I was pregnant, I was absolutely convinced I would be a Montessori hardcore mom. Zero screens. Total independence. Wooden toys everywhere. Calm, aesthetic home. You know the vibe.
Well.
I did try. I really did.
But I have this adorable little human who loves my help. A lot. And yes, he watches some TV. I still limit it, he’s 2 now, but I have to admit… we officially lost the no screen battle during a very long flight to Europe. Survival mode kicked in.
Even so, our main rule at home is still low screen time. So instead of fighting reality, I decided to put extra effort into creating an environment where he can actually entertain himself.
After moving to Belgium, I spent quite some time figuring out how to organize his toys in a way that helps me stay sane but also keeps him engaged.
Here are a few things that have really worked for us.
The learning tower
Back in Brazil we had this beautiful wooden tower and I genuinely loved it. It was one of those purchases you make hoping it helps… and then it becomes part of your everyday life.
He used it for everything. Cooking with me, washing fruit, just being part of whatever I was doing instead of asking to be picked up every five minutes.
This was the one we had in Brazil, if you are curious: https://www.atelietabular.com.br/portfolio
I am not exaggerating when I say it was one of my favorite toddler purchases.
So when we moved, I knew I wanted something similar here because I knew he would use it daily.
I found a super affordable one at Aldi for less than 50 euros (could not find a link). Is it comparable to the one we had in Brazil? Not really. But it does the job. And honestly, seeing him next to me in the kitchen, so proud to be helping, is what matters.
The Kallax shelf
I bought the Kallax from Ikea and I was genuinely excited because we do not have Ikea in Brazil. It felt like entering organizing paradise.
I chose it after watching way too many Instagram moms who are intentional about limiting TV time. The idea is simple. Open storage. Toys visible. Easy access.
And I have to say, it works. He can see what he has. He chooses more independently. Somehow it reduces that bored energy that leads straight to “can I watch something?”
Putting toys back is still a work in progress. But I noticed something funny. If I give him a separate container to organize things into, he complains way less. Toddlers are mysterious like that.
The little table and chair
Also Ikea. A small green table and chair that became his little creative corner.
That is where I keep his books and craft supplies. Mostly pencils and paper. Nothing fancy.
I also bought a small shelf that I originally planned to hang on the wall, but it came with no screws. So I improvised and placed it on top of his table instead. Best decision ever. Now everything is within reach.
He grabs a book, sits down, and “reads” for a while. And I just watch him thinking, this is exactly why we try.
Stepping Stones
My next purchase will probably be stepping stones for balance. I love them every time I see them in other homes. They look fun and perfect for rainy Belgian days when outside play is not really an option.
But what really makes me want them is how they support gross motor development. Climbing, balancing, jumping from one to another. All those big body movements toddlers naturally crave.
It feels like such a simple way to let him move freely inside the house without turning the couch into a jungle gym.
If you have experience with them, tell me everything.
This is just a little overview of what has been working for us lately. Nothing perfect. Nothing Pinterest flawless. Just small adjustments that make our days smoother and help him play a little more independently.
Motherhood is a lot of adjusting expectations. And I am learning that sometimes doing your best looks different than what you imagined in the beginning.
And that is okay.