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Read time: 5 minutes
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
Designating certain areas of your home as “screen-free zones” can help children develop healthier screen habits. For example:
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.
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.
While screens are an inevitable part of modern family life, the Christmas season provides a wonderful opportunity to take a step back and find a healthier balance. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging alternative activities, and leading by example, you can help your children manage their screen time over the holidays while ensuring they enjoy all the fun and togetherness that the festive season has to offer.
The tips and suggestions in this blog are general and may not suit every family’s specific needs or circumstances. Please adapt these ideas to suit your own situation and consult a professional if you have concerns about your child's screen time or overall well-being.







