How to manage kids' screen time over the Christmas holidays

With school out for a few weeks and extra time spent at home, it’s easy for children to turn to screens more than usual. It's important to balance screen time and family time during the holidays. This applies whether you're watching TV, playing video games, or using social media.

Let’s explore some practical tips for managing screen time over the holidays that’ll help you and your family make the most of your time together—without relying too much on screens.

Why managing screen time matters

While screens can be educational and a source of fun, too much screen time has its downsides. Excessive use of digital devices has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, reduced physical activity, and difficulty focusing on non-digital tasks. This is particularly true over the holidays when the usual routines of school and after-school activities are put on pause.

Balancing screen time during the festive season helps children develop healthier habits and encourages family interaction.

Here’s how to ensure that the holidays are filled with meaningful memories and not just hours spent in front of a screen.

1. Set clear boundaries from the start

Talk to your children about how much screen time is appropriate and agree on limits that everyone is happy with. For example, you could establish:

Specific times when screens are allowed, such as after lunch or before bedtime.
Screen-free times, such as during family meals or holiday activities.
Setting time limits on their devices that will automatically bar access after a certain amount of screen time has been used.
That their Wi-Fi access will be turned off at an agreed time.

By setting these expectations early on, you can avoid the daily battle of trying to negotiate screen time, while helping your child understand the importance of balancing digital entertainment with other activities.

2. Incorporate screen time into a daily routine

Having a daily routine can help children manage their time more effectively and reduce the likelihood of excessive screen use. Create a holiday schedule that includes time for screen-based activities alongside other important tasks like outdoor play, reading, and family time. This structure can help children understand that screen time is just one part of their day, not the main event.

For example, you might include:

An hour of screen time in the afternoon after they’ve played outside or helped with a holiday task or daily chore.
A family movie night where everyone enjoys a festive film together.
Limited screen time in the evening, but ensuring it’s balanced with other calming activities like reading or bedtime stories.

3. Encourage non-screen activities

Offering fun, non-screen alternatives can help reduce the temptation to default to screens. Here are some holiday-themed activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family:

Christmas crafts: Encourage creativity with festive craft projects like making homemade Christmas cards, decorating the tree with DIY ornaments, or creating festive garlands. These activities not only keep children entertained but also add a personal touch to your holiday décor.
Baking together: Get the kids involved in baking Christmas treats like gingerbread people, mince pies, or festive cupcakes. Cooking and baking are hands-on activities that encourage children to learn new skills, and the best part is, that you all get to enjoy the delicious results!
Board games and puzzles: Bring out classic board games or puzzles for a fun family competition. Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Charades, or a Christmas-themed trivia game offer hours of entertainment and help bring everyone together for some quality family time.
Outdoor play: Winter walks, trips to the park, or even a scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood are great ways to get children outside and active during the holidays. If it’s a particularly chilly day, wrapping up warm and going for a walk to admire the Christmas lights can be a fun way to get some fresh air.
Storytelling and reading: Reading together or listening to audiobooks can be a wonderful alternative to screen time, especially during the festive season. You could set aside time each day to read a Christmas story together or encourage your child to pick out their favourite book and share it with the family.

4. Create screen-free zones

Designating certain areas of your home as “screen-free zones” can help children develop healthier screen habits. For example:

Make the dining room a screen-free zone so that family meals can be enjoyed without the distraction of phones, tablets, or the TV.
Encourage screen-free bedrooms to promote better sleep. Instead, opt for a bedtime routine that includes quiet activities like reading or listening to calming music.
You can even make a game out of it by putting all phones into a ‘phone jail,’ and the first person to crack and look at their phone has to do a forfeit.

This can help reinforce the idea that not all time needs to be spent in front of a screen and can encourage children to engage with the world around them in more meaningful ways.

5. Lead by example

Children often mimic the habits they see in their parents, so it’s important to moderate your own screen time. Make a conscious effort to put your phone away during family activities, and resist the temptation to check emails or social media during screen-free times.

By demonstrating healthy screen habits, you show your children that it’s possible to enjoy the festive season without relying on screens for entertainment. This also encourages them to be more present during family activities and conversations.

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