'I've finally cracked the code to screen time, and it only took this one thing.'

Thanks to our brand partner, LeapFrog

As someone who wasn't allowed to watch much TV growing up (the occasional movie or morning cartoons on the weekend were allowed, as was the news — which is just what a seven-year-old fancies, let me tell you), I do find it funny when even I think, "What did kids do before screens?". Because we… played.

But despite my own limited screen time upbringing, I'm completely okay with my own son enjoying TV, and I think screens can be an absolute godsend for busy parents. However, when it comes to how families handle screen time, I've noticed parents usually fall into four camps:

The rule-keepers: These parents are pretty strict about screen time limits. Kids are only allowed a certain amount per day or week, and the content tends to be educational or slow-paced to avoid overstimulation.

The go-with-the-flow kind: These parents don't stress too much about how long their kids spend in front of the TV. Sometimes they worry in the back of their minds, but life gets busy and screens fill the gap.

The "sometimes screens are fine" parents: Most of us land here — kids get to watch what they like within reason, usually when a bit of quiet or distraction is needed.

The screen-free mavericks: These parents avoid screens altogether. It's a bold choice, and honestly, sometimes I wonder how they do it… but each to their own.

Whatever your approach, I want to introduce you to something that flips the idea of "screen time" on its head. LeapMove is a new-to-Australia, one-of-a-kind console that gets kids moving while they learn — so, instead of just watching, it puts you in the TV. Let me explain…

Okay, what on earth is LeapMove?

LeapMove is a gaming console by LeapFrog that won the '2025 Toy of the Year' award in France, so you already know it's going to be good. Developed for kids aged 4+ (but anyone can play, including grown-ups), it's a plug-in gaming system for the TV that utilises full-body movement — no remotes, touchscreens or internet required.

It features real-time body tracking, allowing kids to appear on screen — which is "SO COOL MUMMY" — or become a character, with 10 games (and more downloadable) across three difficulty levels you can adjust depending on their age.

The console also comes with 25 preloaded games and adventures covering more than 20 key learning areas like maths, logic (not my toddler's strongest capability, but he's learning!), vocabulary, rhyming, pronunciation, spelling — and SO MUCH MOVEMENT!

This is it! So small and mighty! Image: Supplied.

Why it's perfect for parents: your kid's learning and moving, so screen time becomes both educational and energy-burning — which means better sleep for everyone. The best part? They'll think you're the coolest parent ever because they're having a blast in front of the TV, all while secretly learning and growing. Win-win.

LeapMove also features built-in parental controls, including time limits and profile settings, which you can easily set up through LeapFrog Connect. This lets you maintain control over usage time and automatically cues breaks — all without it feeling like a restriction. It's a brilliant alternative to handing over an iPad or letting kids sit in front of the TV for hours, because it combines screen time with activity.

I'm in the camp where my son is allowed to watch what he wants (generally really riveting YouTube videos of cars or trucks) and when he wants within reason, but he'd rather play 90 per cent of the time, so it's not a battle I have.

Sometimes I do wish he'd be a little more distracted by the TV so I could get things done, which is why LeapMove has been a welcome addition to our home. He has SO MUCH FUN playing with it, and it's perfect for burning off some of his never-ending energy. The games and features also adjust as he gets older based on his learning level, so it'll keep him engaged as he grows.

Lenny LOVING that he's the controller. Image: Supplied.

Len's favourite game is 'Super Smasher', which involves air punching and kicking (so, of course, he loves it) to 'smash' gems and exercise his maths skills.

My favourite game is 'Armadillo Dash', where you run in place, jump, and duck to race through an obstacle course and build words. It feels like an at-home workout, but way more fun.

We're all obsessed. Image: Supplied.

Even Len's cousins love coming over and playing with it, because although it's technically one player at a time, they take turns trying to beat each other's score — which is adorable and highly entertaining for us adults to watch.

It's also incredibly easy to set up: just plug it into your TV, follow the prompts, and the console walks you through how everything works. You'll pick it up in no time, and "Leapy" has quickly become a much-loved toy in our home.

Shop LeapMove at BIG W, Target, Myer, select toy stores and online retailers for $129.95, with two bonus games available to download free from the LeapFrog website.

Feature Image: Instagram/@kelly_mccarren/Supplied.

LeapFrog is the leader in innovative solutions that encourage a child's curiosity and love of learning throughout their early developmental journey. For more than 20 years, LeapFrog has helped children expand their knowledge and imagination through award-winning products that combine state-of-the-art educational expertise led by the LeapFrog Learning Team, innovative technology, and engaging play – turning playtime into quality time that helps children leap ahead.