December 4, 2024

Screen Time Strategies for a Happy Holiday Break

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School’s out. The holidays are here.

Keeping young minds active and engaged during breaks is critical.

While the holiday season brings a welcome break from routine, it can also mean increased screen time for children. At LeafSpring School, we understand the challenge of balancing technology use with quality family time and continued learning. Our PLAYWORKS© and INSPIRED curriculums emphasize holistic development, including a healthy approach to screen time. 

Here are six LeafSpring School-approved strategies for managing screen time effectively during the holidays. These strategies will ensure your child stays engaged, learns, and enjoys the festive season to the fullest!

Create a Holiday Media Plan 

Develop a structured yet flexible approach to screen time during the holidays. Set clear, age-appropriate limits on daily screen use, tailoring them to your child’s needs and your family’s schedule that day. This might mean 1-2 hours of high-quality content for younger children, while older kids might have more leeway with educational apps or creative digital projects on platforms like Canva.

Curate Quality Content 

Choose educational apps, games, and shows that align with your child’s interests and learning goals. Look for interactive content that encourages problem-solving and creativity, mirroring our PLAYWORKS© approach. For example, coding apps can boost logical thinking, while art-based games nurture creativity. Consider apps that adapt to your child’s progress, offering increasingly challenging content as they learn. Remember, not all screen time is equal – prioritize content that engages your child actively rather than passively.

Balance Screen Time with Physical Activity 

For every hour of screen time, plan an hour of physical activity. This balance supports overall well-being and helps prevent the sedentary lifestyle often associated with excessive screen use. Organize family walks, dance parties, or outdoor games to keep everyone moving and engaged. Try blending digital interests with physical activity by creating real-world versions of your child’s favorite games. For example, transform your backyard into a “real-life Minecraft map,” for interactive and energetic play.

Practice Co-Viewing and Co-Playing 

Engage with your child during screen time, discussing content and playing together. This interaction enhances learning and strengthens family bonds. Ask open-ended questions about what they’re watching or playing, encouraging critical thinking. For younger children, help them connect on-screen experiences to real-world concepts. This shared engagement turns passive screen time into an active, educational experience and allows you to guide their digital literacy development.

Implement the 20-20-20 Rule 

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and promotes awareness of screen time duration. Make it fun by turning it into a game – use a special timer or play a game of I Spy. This practice protects eye health and serves as a natural reminder to disengage from screens periodically. It’s a simple yet effective way to build healthy tech habits that can last a lifetime.

Model Healthy Screen Habits 

Be mindful of your screen use during family time. Remember that your child looks to you as an example. Demonstrate the importance of balancing technology with real-world experiences. Set designated “unplugged” times for the whole family, like during meals or before bedtime. Share with your child how you use technology productively in your daily life and enjoy offline activities. By modeling a healthy relationship with technology, you’re teaching valuable life skills far beyond the holiday season.

LeafSpring School is focused on nurturing well-rounded, tech-savvy children who appreciate the value of offline experiences. Our nationally accredited programs provide a balanced approach to learning and development in and out of the classroom. 

Curious about how we integrate technology into our curriculum while maintaining crucial hands-on experiences? Contact a LeafSpring School near you today to learn more about our innovative approach to early childhood education!