The Summer Screens Prep Edition

4 Tips To Set Everyone Up For Success

So, summer is happening. For some, school is already out. For others, (including me), kids still have a few more weeks of school. Either way, its time to start putting a plan together for the summer.

In this post I give you 4 tips to do just that, plus some fun updates and the latest tech headlines so let’s get into it!

Photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash

4 Tips For Summer Screens

1. Have a summer screen time policy

Relax the rules or don’t, just be clear with your kids about what the policy is. Here are three approaches:

• Lock It Down. There is a pre-determined maximum amount of time allowed for screens per day

• Let It Rip. Summer is for downtime, try to make good choices for yourself, I will intervene if you’re overdoing it

• The Happy Medium. Complete daily responsibilities, then you choose how to spend your downtime (with in reason). I call this the Emily Oster Approach and its the one we tend to use in our house.

2. Consider a Family Screen Detox family

Whether its a day, a weekend or a vacation. Use these thought starters to figure out how to explain it to your kids:

• Lead With Excitement. Always lead with the fact that you are going on a trip, taking a vacation etc and how much fun thats going to be,

• Explain The Why. Give them insight into why you’e decided a break is important. Be specific.

• Involve Them In The Process. What are their ideas of activities to fill the void. What are good exceptions (Maybe Kids can listen to Audio books? Is any TV or movie allowed? Parents can use phone and internet to enable the vacation (Driving Directions, Apple Pay, Making Reservations, etc).

• Remind Them Of The Benefits. More time to play games and go on adventures. More time for creativity. More time to be in the moment.

• Be Prepared With Alternatives. Bring games & books. Research activities. Think about ways you can have adventures.

• Model the Behavior. Walk the walk people. That means no sneaking peeks at email or TikTok.

3. For younger kids: Work On Independence.

This includes activities like going on a bikeride or to the store or on an amusement park ride by themselves.

This might mean investing in some technology like a Smartwatch or Bot for peace of mind, or not. Whatever you decide, make sure you

• have them memorize your phone number

• review safety (crossing the street, etc)

• walk though what to do if they ever get lost

Allowing independence does not require any technology purchases but that said here are a few options I recommend:

• GPS Tracking— Airtags

• GPS Tracking plus Voicemails - The Bot

• GPS + Calling/Texting: A smartwatch (i like the Gabb or the Bark) or a parent managed phone (Pinwheel, Gabb or Bark + a lanyard or a bike pouch). Smartwatch won’t get lost or missed because its attached to their bodies. Phone is a little less intense but easier to lose.

4. For Older Kids - Help Them Take Streak Breaks

Parents be warned that if your child is on Snapchat and you are suggesting a break for even a day, they will freak out because they do not want to break the streak. They will be tempted to do unnatural things like give another child their password to log on and preserve their streak. This might sound far fetched but its very common. And its a very bad idea.

I have advice on how to handle this but its controversial, hear me out:

Offer to pay for them to restore the Streak.

I know. I know. Like why give money to a company that is already causing drama!?! Here’s why—

• IF it means they don’t give out their password thats a huge win

• If they realize streaks can be bought and that makes Streaks a lot less interesting that is also a win

Paid Subscribers will find a bonus item at the bottom of this post with step by step instructions on how to pay to restore a Snapstreak (there are two options).

Worth Flagging

• Award Winning On-Demand Courses. That’s right, Tweens and Tech and All About Apple won Mom’s Choice Awards! Use code DIGITALMOM10 to save on the purchase either course.

• New Podcast Episode. I recently joined Cynthia Dvorak on her Screen Less Play More Podcast. We talked Snapchat, Roblox, School Issued Devices & More. Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple.

• Summer Camp Shopping List. I made you a list of items to add to the camp shopping/packing list. They are also great for summer roadtrips and family vacations. Check it out here.

• Summer Webinar Series. I’m partnering with Ok To Delay for a 3 part webinar series in July. More info including how to get tickets will be available soon but for now, please mark the following on your calendars!

  • July 15 8-9pm EST

  • July 22 8-9pm EST

  • July 29 8-9pm EST

Tech Parenting Headlines

1. TikTok bans #skinnytok. For anyone who hovered over a post on TikTok (or any social feed) for a microsecond only to then be served similar content relentlessly, #skinnytok is a a good example of dangerous content that kids can easily be exposed to on social media. Read more about #skinnytok here.

2. Quebec is banning smartphones for primary and secondary school. Read more here.

3. Instagram for iPad is coming. Meta appears to be preparing an iPad version of Instagram to come out later this year. If your child is too young for Instagram, go ahead and block it if you haven’t already. Read more about the potential launch here and here.

4. NY State moves forward with case against TikTok. TikTok’s motion to dismiss NY State’s case that they are harming young people’s mental health has been denied. This means the case moves forward. Read AG James’ statement here.

How to Pay To Restore A Snapstreak