Carving out spaces that we reserve as “screen-free” zones is one of the most important things we can do to maintain peace of mind, focus and grounding. So where should we begin? Here are 5 spaces to consider designating as “screen-free” to give you and your family the much needed media break you deserve.

For many parents the goal of reducing screen time during this Pandemic feels impossible to attain. If that feels like your situation then I’d recommend shifting your perspective. Instead of worrying about how much time your child is spending in front of a device, focus on making sure that all their physical, mental and spiritual needs are being met on a daily basis. Here is a list of daily goals for you to pull from or create your own!

We are living in a time when many Americans prefer to get their news in small bites from social media recommendations, rather than from the more in depth analysis of legitimate news organizations. But we now know that this reliance creates what are known as information “filter bubbles” where we only see news we agree with and are never exposed to alternative or opposing views. I am more and more convinced that gathering information solely from social media is leading to some pretty terrible outcomes and few groups are more vulnerable to the negative repercussions of this than teenagers.

We all have plenty to be stressed about these days without adding homeschooling to the mix, but for many parents and kids school closures are a reality. Here is my roundup of various creative and enriching apps and websites that can offer some fun during the long days at home.

Are you confused about whether your child is ready for a phone? Giving a child a phone is a huge step and there is no going back, so let’s make sure your child is ready. If the question of when to introduce your child to the world of smartphones is weighing heavy on your mind you’re not alone. Read on to find out if your child is ready and what you can do to make the transition easier for both you and your child.

This week is National Media Literacy Week - I know it doesn’t sound very sexy or festive or exciting, but it’s actually a really big deal and I’m going to tell you why! By teaching our kids to become critical thinkers, creators and skeptics when it comes to media, we give them an invaluable skill that will protect them and help them to make sound choices online as they get older. Read on to get some easy tips for starting these conversations with your kiddos!

If there is one wonderful thing that our devices have given us it’s access to moving, funny and educational audio stories. Podcasts can inspire us, spark fascinating conversation and offer an entertaining alternative to staring at a screen. And guess what? It’s all FREE! Check out this list of my favorites for kids of all ages.

Summer means more freedom, less school work and more fun. But I certainly don’t want to throw all the family rules out the window and during the school year our screen time limit keeps things running pretty smoothly. So how do I maintain our family rules and values around device use while still allowing them a summertime “win?”