Four more ways to handle summer screen time
Including a free-for-all option
Our summer screen time plan can be summarized thus: not too much, and mostly based on parent benevolence.
What that looks like: there are some routine screen time staples the kids can count on (namely, Friday family movie nights) but otherwise, the assumption is we’re screen free — unless a parent chooses to grant access. Since our days tend to vary in the summer — how’s the weather? is Mama working? is a friend coming over? — we take each day as it comes, discussing the plan together in the morning and making a decision on whether there will be screen time that day, and when.
Over time, our kids have learned that it’s best to accept our screen decisions as firm: whining, complaining, or repeated asks will only lead to us doubling down and being less generous in the future. And of course, we work hard to create the conditions for full, happy days even without screens in the picture.
While this system works for us at these ages, I know it’s not for everyone! So today, I thought I’d share four more ways to handle summer screen time. I hope at least one feels like a helpful launching pad to make your own summer plan, based on what feels right for your unique family and set of circumstances.