How To Handle Screen Time While School Is Cancelled
One of the key issues I’m seeing parents wrestling with right now (other than toilet paper supply) is screen time. On the one hand, what an incredible gift technology is right now, in its ability to keep us connected socially, facilitate online learning, and give us access to so many creative resources. On the other hand, days upon days where kids are supposed to stay home backs up against legitimate concerns about how to handle screen time. What limits do we enforce during this truly unprecedented time where school is out for the long haul—at present, May 6 at a minimum in Massachusetts or altogether if you live in Virginia.
Today I interviewed Julianna Miner, author of Raising A Screen-Smart Kid. This book truly is a must have for parents; Julianna manages to bridge serving up plenty of fascinating data for the mega nerds out there while also being a real everyday, funny parent.
In this interview, I ask Julianna about the following:
What are your thoughts on screen time rules right now, in this unusual time where we have a long stretch of no school?
What are some positive ways you can engage with your kids around screens?
What are some negative things to watch out for?
Do you have any quick recommendations for parents who need to establish some firmer boundaries around screen time? e.g., fave time limit apps or agreements or paper scheduling etc.
If there's one thing parents should talk to kids about tech right now, what would you recommend that be? And how do they open that conversation?
Links To Resources
Edit Your Life Episode 170: Raising A Screen-Smart Kid (a deeper dive into the book)
Ann Dolin’s Homeschooling During COVID-19: 7 Stress Free Ways To Keep Your Child on Track
Raising A Screen-Smart Kid by Julianna Miner
Essential tips for parents