Now that summer has begun and many of our kids face less structured time, screens can be an easy go-to; highly desired by the kids and quickly allowed by their parents. It’s a one-stop shop for endless entertainment and communication: social media, texting, YouTube, games, Netflix, etc. But before you charge up the screens, tackle this checklist:
• Designate a charging station for screens where they live when not in use. Misplaced, dead, or carelessly stashed screens make no one happy.
• Set parental controls on screens so you know what your children can access. Uninstall games or streaming services that have the potential to eat up hours at a time.
• Be realistic. Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, addictive tendencies, and even low self-esteem are very real aspects of social media, video games, YouTube, etc. As a parent, be on guard and proactive to protect your children.
• Communicate rules around screen usage. Check out our blog on Tips for Tech-Savvy Kids (selfdevelopment.com/ 2022/07/tips-for-tech-savvy-kids.com). When can they use screens? What apps? For how long? Can they send and receive DMs?
• Make sure you are involved as a parent. Be thoughtful, intentional, and active to encourage healthy screen time that adds to your children’s day, not to numb, distract, or isolate them.
Of course, we recommend spending time away from screens. Find ways with your children to incorporate tried and true forms of communication and relationship building, and make these a priority.
Consider these ideas to fill imaginations, hours, and physical mailboxes.
GET A PEN PAL
Arrange to swap letters with a friend from school. Or help your child choose family members or old friends to whom they can write. Instead of exchanging e-mail addresses, get real addresses, buy stamps, and get a fresh pack of gel pens — the whole shebang. Spend time writing or coloring on special stationery, and let your child stick on the stamp and mail the letter. The art of formatting a proper letter and envelope doesn’t have to be lost.
MAKE A FAMILY CALENDAR
The simple act of incorporating a family calendar into the family room or kitchen can bring structure, time management, responsibility, and creativity. Let your children list out activities and outings they’d like to do, then include chores that must be done, and add in some bonus events like family movie night.
By letting your children have some control over their days, they will learn to appreciate the fun activities as well as find balance between rest, work, and play.
START A CLUB
Does your child love Star Wars? Baking? Skateboarding? Encourage them to invite friends and neighbors to join weekly in exploring their passion. Depending on your child’s age, this may take more supervision and effort from you, but building relationships and exploring interests will make a lifelong impact and be well worth it.
CREATE A PLAYDATE CO-OP
Help your kids build relationships while also getting a break for yourself. Plan ahead and arrange a weekly play date with three of your child’s friends. One day out of the month you will host the play date, and the other three play dates you will drop your child off at the hosting parent’s house. Sweet freedom!
EXPLORE ART
You could choose a different technique or medium for every day of the summer and not run out of new art projects to try. From canvas and acrylic paint to molding clay to a stack of magazines for collages, encourage your children to express themselves. Depending on your child’s age and abilities, you could study an artist together and impersonate their style.
Go on a nature walk and try to capture the most beautiful thing you saw in a picture. Or use butcher paper and finger paint and go crazy outside — by the hose to wash off!
Self Development Academies is now enrolling for the 2023-24 school year with limited space available. If you are looking for an excellent charter school to partner with you for your children’s education, contact us.
Self Development Academy is recognized as one of the best K-8 charter schools nationwide. We have campuses in Mesa, Phoenix, and online. Check us out at selfdevelopmentacademy.com or contact us at (480) 641-2640 (Mesa/Online) or (602) 274-1910 (Phoenix)