As summer break nears its final days and I see the fall frenzy of school-and-everything-else schedules coming my way, I am preparing for the transition. As I envision the back-to-school scene for our family, I know we have a lot of adjustments to make to get ourselves into “fall mode.” Amidst considerations around supplies, extracurriculars, transportation, and meals is of course…managing screen time.
Last year’s rules fit us pretty well. Summer rules incorporated our summer lifestyles. But this fall — kids are a year older, among other things. I have to consider, have their screen-based interests evolved or changed? How are school demands different? Have my views changed?
Some things remain the same. I still want them to get enough sleep and have enough uninterrupted time for homework. I want them to have time and motivation for creative and athletic involvements, family, and friends. I want to support them in practicing habits that build self-control. You can see Tessa's latest contract here. We also created a template to help you jumpstart an agreement.
So as I consider the conversation our family will be having to get this all sorted out, here are some conversation starter ideas for all of us:
August 22, 2016
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
As summer break nears its final days and I see the fall frenzy of school-and-everything-else schedules coming my way, I am preparing for the transition. As I envision the back-to-school scene for our family, I know we have a lot of adjustments to make to get ourselves into “fall mode.” Amidst considerations around supplies, extracurriculars, transportation, and meals is of course…managing screen time.
Last year’s rules fit us pretty well. Summer rules incorporated our summer lifestyles. But this fall — kids are a year older, among other things. I have to consider, have their screen-based interests evolved or changed? How are school demands different? Have my views changed?
Some things remain the same. I still want them to get enough sleep and have enough uninterrupted time for homework. I want them to have time and motivation for creative and athletic involvements, family, and friends. I want to support them in practicing habits that build self-control. You can see Tessa's latest contract here. We also created a template to help you jumpstart an agreement.
So as I consider the conversation our family will be having to get this all sorted out, here are some conversation starter ideas for all of us:
August 22, 2016
As well as our weekly blog, we publish videos like this one every week on the Screenagers YouTube channel
As the gift-giving season approaches, many parents consider buying their kids their first phones or connected watches. Before diving into this decision, I want to share my perspective: delaying this purchase as long as possible is often the best approach. If you have decided to move forward, my team and I have worked hard to compile a detailed chart of simple phone and watch recommendations to help you choose the best option.
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In today’s blog, you’ll learn how Positive Discipline can transform your approach to parenting screen time. You’ll learn about this potentially transformative parenting technique from renowned Positive Discipline expert Casey O’Roarty. Learn to navigate challenges, foster connection, and empower your child’s self-regulation.
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I've noticed a lot of confusion in my conversations with adults and teens about using incognito mode. Many don't realize that, even in incognito mode, the websites they visit can still track their activity and show them ads related to what they did during that session. If you are unfamiliar with Incognito mode, today I explain why and how kids may use it and why you want to know.
READ MORE >for more like this, DR. DELANEY RUSTON'S NEW BOOK, PARENTING IN THE SCREEN AGE, IS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR TODAY’S PARENTS. WITH INSIGHTS ON SCREEN TIME FROM RESEARCHERS, INPUT FROM KIDS & TEENS, THIS BOOK IS PACKED WITH SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO START AND SUSTAIN PRODUCTIVE FAMILY TALKS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND IT’S IMPACT ON OUR MENTAL WELLBEING.
