Schedule screen-free moments
Here are a few suggestions to help you reduce the time spent in front of screens, balance online and offline activities, and explore other ways to spend time together… But it’s up to you to find the best ways for your family to pause their screen time!
How?
At mealtimes
Think of turning off all the screens before sitting down at the table to ensure they don’t become a distraction.
One hour after waking up
Agree on a morning routine as a family that excludes the use of all screens (televisions, cell phones, tablets, computers) for the first hour after waking up.
One hour before going to bed
Establish a “charging zone” outside the bedrooms where family members have to set down their phone and tablets one hour before bed.
Reading routine
To enjoy reading and its benefits, introduce a daily 30-minute reading routine, with no screens and no distractions. A great way to slow down and take a moment for yourself every day. It’s up to each family member to choose their own moment.
During family outings
Challenge your family to leave their phones and tablets at home during family outings, for example, during sports activities, a visit to the museum, a shopping session or a meal at a restaurant.
During family time
Why not encourage spending time together screen-free in the comfort of your own home? Cooking, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts… the choice of activity is yours depending on everyone’s interests!
During study time
Explain to your child that it is more effective to concentrate on only one task at a time… so their studying takes less time. Psst! This suggestion also applies to parents during work hours!
A half-day per week or per month
Take up an “unplugged challenge” as a family, without forgetting to plan activities to enjoy each other’s company and to fill the time usually spent in front of screens. For an even greater challenge, unplug all day!
In addition to screen-free times, why not establish “screen-free zones” in your home to better manage your connectivity as a family? For example, no screens:
- in the bedrooms;
- at the table;
- in the car;
- or… in the bathroom!
Why?
One of the main benefits of screen-free breaks is that they encourage us to use our devices and applications more consciously, instead of using them out of habit. This way, technology remains at our service … not the other way around!
