Look, I'm no saint and reply to my emails promptly day or night which gives me away. When my children were growing up, we didn't have the same level of screen obsession that exists today. But I admit to bringing a portable TV into the bedroom and playing Teletubbies videos on repeat from 5-7 am to keep them quiet while I tried to sleep. As a working mum, I was desperate for rest I would take them to the cinema on weekend afternoons, allowing me to nap during a long Disney film. I even started taking a pillow in.

I total get that parenting is tough, and screens are the ultimate babysitter keeping them occupied. However, it’s sad to see just how much time children are spending on them now. I've read that toddlers are learning to talk later, are losing the ability to play and interact with their peers, and far too many households don’t have any children's books.

So, how do we combat this trend while being exhausted parents, perhaps juggling WFH with minimal childcare? It may be difficult on a day-to-day basis, but trying during your holiday can be so rewarding. Here are some tips to enjoy a (nearly) screen-free time with children on the farm:

1. Firstly, to keep kids off screens, parents need to lead by example and adhere to the rules!

2. Set aside an hour each day for everyone to catch up on emails, play games, or check social media.

3. Pre-plan a holiday agenda so everyone knows what to expect leaving a few empty moments. Consider bringing a flip chart or chalkboard to display the day's activities for all to see – don’t laugh! I may be a businessperson, but everyone likes to know what’s coming up.

4. Start the day with a fun breakfast activity. This can help get kids out of bed and redirect them from mindless scrolling. What about making waffles or pancakes, with everyone taking turns to toss?

5. After the family tidy-up, head off on an outdoor activity. Ideas include climbing a mountain, visiting Big Pit Coal Mine, caving or mountain biking or walking to White Castle.

6. For lunch, consider a picnic. What about ‘make your own sandwich' by laying out a buffet of sliced cheese, hams, salad, pickles, peanut butter, etc. They can choose a pre-buttered roll, select their favourite fillings, wrap it in tin foil, and grab a bag of crisps and some fruit, which can easily fit in coat pockets. This will leave parents’ backpacks free for drinks and treats for the journey.

7. Once home, parents might feel the need for a rest, but kids will generally enjoy exploring the grounds. If staying in a farmhouse, send them down to the Den in the Deep Dark Wood to be creative. They can rearrange habitat piles to make new dens or cosy up the existing ones. In the Dairy, it might be a Table Tennis tournament or footie game on the back lawn. The Cider House guests might like to use the natural swimming pool or play on the swings under the big oak tree. Or best still get them planning a family or friend’s panto, play or Wonderful Talent Show using the outdoor amphitheatre. You’ll need to divvy up the responsibilities, director, producer, costumes, H&M and of course the actors. Get them rehearsing and ready to perform for you on the last night of your holiday. It’s bound to be Oscar-worthy and will keep everyone off their screens for most of the holiday.

8. This activity allows parents time for a relaxing sauna or a cold swim, while also sneaking in a catch up on emails and social media without the kids noticing if you are juggling work commitments. Take turns child-minding, perhaps with a glass of something nice.

9. Supper time will gather hungry children at home. After an active day, they’ll be happy and full of stories. Following dinner, wind down with games around the table, in the Disco Den, or watch a family-friendly film in the cinema room.

10. Finally, it’s bedtime! The youngest will hopefully go straight to the bath and bed with a cosy story. Older children and adults might like to catch up on a bit of screen time, but with so much to do in the houses and the grounds, mindless scrolling may become less appealing!