A long holiday weekend is coming up, and for parents, that often means a break from work and a chance to spend quality time with the kids. However, it also means the battle over screen time can escalate, turning a fantastic opportunity into a conflict ridden weekend that you may truthfully even dread. But fear not! This guide is here to help parents not just survive, but thrive during a long holiday by creating a harmonious balance between intentional screen time and meaningful family interactions.
1. Make Your Own Goal for the Time
For many of us, we only get 18 annual holidays with our kids at home before they move out. It’s a special time and special memories are ready to be made. Use the time intentionally instead of letting screens drive the agenda. This takes conscious effort, but the results last a lifetime. Is your goal simply quality time with your family? Doing something each child loves to do? Building a tradition? Laughing together? No matter what the activity, keep your goal in mind.
2. Set Expectations Ahead of the Holidays
First, get on the same page as your spouse about your goal for the upcoming time off. Then before the holiday time kicks in, take a moment to sit down with your children and discuss your expectations regarding screen time. Be clear about the rules, the duration, and any specific content restrictions. Emphasize the importance of balance and the value of spending time together as a family. By communicating these expectations in advance, you can avoid surprises and potential conflicts during the holidays. Ideally though, this is a footnote in the conversation if you can also talk about all the fun things you can do together (see next section).
3. Hold a Family Brainstorming Session:
Instead of dictating activities, involve the whole family in a brainstorming session to generate a list of fun things to do together. Encourage creativity and diverse ideas, ensuring everyone has a say in the holiday plans and that there are no bad ideas. This not only fosters a sense of ownership for your kids but also generates excitement about the upcoming family time. From crafting holiday decorations to organizing a family game night, this collaborative approach helps build anticipation and ensures that everyone’s interests are taken into account. When the kids’ request is video games or screen time, include it in the fun! But turn it into family time instead of solo activities. If they do want solo time, you can build some of that in, but explain why it won’t be the whole weekend.
4. Look for Opportunities to Serve Others Together
Any holiday is a time to celebrate something or someone, and involving your family in acts of service can be both rewarding and unifying. Consider helping your church family, volunteering at local charities or community events, where your family can contribute to a greater cause. This not only diverts attention from screens but also instills values of compassion and gratitude in your children. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter or participating in a toy drive, these activities create lasting memories and build character at the same time.
5. Show Interest in What Your Kids Are Interested In
Engaging with your children’s interests is a powerful way to connect with them and create shared experiences. If your child is into video games, consider playing together as a family. If they enjoy a specific hobby or activity, take the time to learn more about it and participate alongside them. Expect some resistance in this and don’t give up if you haven’t engaged in the past and your child is apprehensive. Let me say it again, don’t give up! This not only demonstrates your genuine interest in their world but also provides opportunities for meaningful conversations. And that is at the core of parenting, fostering meaningful conversations where you can guide them through adolescence.
In conclusion, surviving family holidays without succumbing to the screen time battles requires proactive planning and a commitment to creating memorable moments together. By setting clear expectations, involving the entire family in the planning process, engaging in acts of service, and showing genuine interest in your children’s passions, you can transform any holiday into a time of joy, connection, and shared experiences. Let us know your favorite ways to maximize your family time during the holidays in the comments below.
