SCREEN SMART, SUMMER STRONG: FINDING BALANCE IN A DIGITAL WORLD

Written by: Jamie Marcella

Summer is in full swing, bringing with it the promise of endless sunshine, outdoor adventures, and a welcome shift in pace. During the school year, we excel at balancing schoolwork on our online platform with frequent, strategic breaks, understanding that these pauses are crucial for effective learning and focus. But summer is different. It's a precious time for incorporating even more breaks, prioritizing family time, embracing adventure, enjoying ample movement, and fostering self-discovery.

In today's digital age, one of the biggest challenges for families is navigating the ever-present allure of screens while ensuring children (and adults!) also engage in vital outdoor play and physical activity. We believe that a balanced lifestyle is key to thriving, and summer offers the perfect opportunity to lean into that balance even more fully.

While screens offer incredible educational resources and entertainment, too much time can lead to missed opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and creative play. The good news is that balancing screen time with outdoor and movement play isn't about eliminating technology; it's about making conscious choices that promote overall health and happiness, aligning with that summer spirit of expansive living.

Ready to help your family find that sweet spot? Here are some strategies and ideas for balancing screen time with active summer fun:

The "Screen Time Out" Method: Earning Your Digital Delights

Turn screen time into a reward, not a default. This encourages proactive engagement in other activities first. Set a "Before Screen" Goal or Divide the day. Establish a specific amount of outdoor or active play that must be completed before any screen time begins. Divide the day into active blocks and potential screen blocks. Everything in moderation! Let’s empower ourselves and take ownership of our time.

Designate "Tech-Free Zones" and "Tech-Free Times"

Creating clear boundaries helps normalize periods without screens, making the transition easier. Maybe you can make all meals tech-free family time. Or eliminate screens an hour before bed to promote better sleep.  When you're at the park, on a hike, or at the beach, declare it a "screen-free zone" for the duration of the outing. This will likely encourage everyone to be present and engage with the environment. These consistent boundaries help cultivate habits of non-screen engagement and foster stronger family connections.

Striking a balance between screen time and active play is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. It requires flexibility, communication, and a willingness to experiment with what works best for your family. By making conscious choices this summer, you can ensure your children enjoy the best of both worlds: digital engagement when appropriate, and plenty of opportunities to explore, move, and grow in the vibrant world around them.

Here's to a summer filled with balanced fun and boundless discovery!