Staying Connected With Our Kids

Technology Curfew
Technology distractions make it easy to ignore the ones right in front of you. Figuring out how to set boundaries around screen time in the home is key to keeping a tight connection with your spouse and your children.

Start by banning cell phones during the evening meal. “Pass the cell phone basket at mealtime for everyone to contribute so there is no texting, answering emails or Snapchatting at the dinner table. Have a conversation instead about a great article you just read or someplace everyone wants to go visit,” said Dr. Colleen Carroll, childhood screen addition specialist and author of Hooked on Screens. “Kids want your time and attention. … Start by putting down your own screens and be present with them.”

Follow that with set time each night that all electronics and personal devices will be turned off. “Having a technology curfew will force kids to find other things to do with their time, and that can often involve the parent as well,” van Goch said. “Knowing that mobile phones get put away at a certain time of night means that you’re forced to either spend time with each other or do something that requires some brain activity.”