Summer! The time of year when routines go out the window, bedtimes drift later, and our kids suddenly think they can ask for screen time every 20 minutes. Sounds familiar?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s be honest: screen time isn\u2019t the villain. It gives us a moment to cook, breathe, answer an email, or just sip a cup of coffee while it\u2019s still warm. But in the summer, when there’s more free time and less structure, it can easily snowball into full-day marathons. And then everyone gets grumpy, especially when the tablets are off!<\/p>\n
So here are some honest, practical tips that have helped us create a healthier screen time rhythm at home, actually the whole year around.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”???? Use a visual timer” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
Small kids have no clue what \u201c10 more minutes\u201d feels like. A visual timer \u00a0(we love the ones where the red zone gets smaller) helps your child see<\/em> that time is passing. It turns screen limits into something visual, not just another thing mom or dad says.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”57642″ image_size=”thumbnail” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”???? No screens first thing in the morning\u2026 or right before bedtime” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n Avoid screens at the beginning and end of the day. Why? In the morning, we want their brains to wake up<\/em> naturally and slowly rather than being flooded with a dopamine rush before breakfast… And in the evening, screen-free time helps their bodies wind down, making it easier for them to fall asleep and sleep more deeply. This change alone can make a big difference in their mood and sleep quality.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”49354″ image_size=”thumbnail” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”???? Choose ad-free platforms” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n If possible, pick platforms that don\u2019t show ads. It saves your kids from overstimulation, avoids those \u201cI want that!\u201d moments, and prevents the risk of them clicking on something odd. Bonus tip: download their favorite shows when you have Wi-Fi so you don\u2019t rely on streaming all the time (great for travel too).<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”???? Watch something new together first” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n When you introduce a new show or series, sit down and watch the first episode together. Not only is it a cozy bonding moment, but it also gives you a chance to openly talk about what they\u2019re watching and what they think of it. And yes, it\u2019s okay to say \u201cwe’re not going to watch this anymore\u201d if it doesn’t feel right.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”???????? Teach them to filter what they see” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n Here\u2019s something not enough people talk about! Even young children can learn that they<\/em> have some control over what gets shown to them. Teach them to use the thumbs up\/down buttons. If they don\u2019t like a video, they can \u201cdislike\u201d it and see less of that kind of content. It\u2019s an early, simple way to help them learn they don\u2019t have to accept everything that\u2019s served to them on a screen.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”54643″ image_size=”thumbnail” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”???? Make it special once a week” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n Choose one day where screen time becomes a special family event. Watch a movie together, make popcorn, or even bake a cake to eat while watching. If you have a garden, set up a projector and turn it into a small outdoor cinema. You\u2019ll be amazed at how quickly that one movie night becomes a moment to look forward to, together.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][split_line_heading animation_type=”line-reveal-by-space” font_style=”h2″ text_color=”#ff7277″ line_reveal_by_space_text_effect=”default” content_alignment=”default” mobile_content_alignment=”inherit” link_target=”_self” text_content=”Screens aren\u2019t going anywhere,” text_direction=”default”][\/split_line_heading][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n …and that\u2019s okay. What matters is how we guide our kids through using them. With a bit of intention, some simple tools, and a whole lot of patience, screen time can remain a friend and not take over the entire summer.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s make more of those good old offline memories too!<\/p>\n Lots of love,<\/p>\n Sarah[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none”…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":57868,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-57853","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lifestyle"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57853"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60535,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57853\/revisions\/60535"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/owego-family.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}