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Home for the Holidays
Family Use of Devices During the Break
Holidays away from work and school give us much needed downtime at home with our families. Spending time on our devices can be an opportunity to relax, connect, and create with our children.
Ways to Connect
1. Use devices and watch with your children whenever you can. That way, you can discuss and explain things as they happen and connect it to real life. Plus, it's great bonding time.
2. Encourage creativity and not just consumption. Get kids coding and creating, so that media experiences are empowering.
3. Help kids identify healthy behaviors. Talk about both physical and emotional feelings during screen and non-screen activities. Discuss what is a reasonable amount of time to play on devices, and brainstorm a list of "unplugged" activities to do when the devices are put away. Reading, drawing, taking a pet for a walk, going on a nature hunt, riding a bike, or playing basketball are all great ways to exercise the brain and body.
Ask:
"Why is it important to stop what you're doing and pause for people, even if you don't want to?"
"How do you feel when your time watching TV or using your tablet is over and you have to turn it off?"
"What do you think healthy media balance could look like for our family?"
"What are the different kinds of activities, both online and offline, that you would want to do on a given day?"
Screen Time Tips for Adults
Ask yourself: Am I distracted by my phone or the TV when playing with my kids? What are some “tech-free times” I can set for myself and for the family? Think about your own habits. Modeling expected behavior can go a long way.
- Try to keep the TV off if no one is watching it.
- Silence your phone to reduce distractions during family time.
- Model self-control when it comes to your devices.
- Put devices away while at the dinner table or when helping with homework.
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