ABC's and 123's:

As many families are realizing due to recent school breaks (and upcoming summer!), your children’s schooltime routine and activities occupy a large portion of their daily life.  While vacations and breaks are necessary, they can quickly become a minefield of lack of routine, too much free time, complaints of boredom, and unlimited requests for snacks and screentime!

One of the main concerns we hear from parents is that kids seem to only want screentime to play video games, watch videos, or even just chatting with friends instead of more active play. When the usual rhythm is gone, it’s easy for screens to become the default.

Here are a few simple ways to stay ahead of those challenges and support healthy screen habits, even when the schedule changes.

Plan for Downtime Before it Happens

Whether it’s for spring break, summer break, or the holidays, come up with a strategy for how your child will be spending their downtime before your child’s routine changes.

• Think about structured options like child care, family visits, sports, or day programs. This could include summer school/camp, VBS, visiting family, vacation, pool, sports, etc.
• Explore free and accessible activities nearby like parks, libraries, walking trails, or playdates with other families
• Ask other parents what they’re doing; sharing ideas can spark some new ones for your family!

DID YOU KNOW? Action for Children can help you find before or after-school care for your child! Call 614-224-0222 to get a free child care referral!

Rethink Screen Time Limits Together

Do your children currently have screentime limits? If so, start thinking about how and if they and will they need to change along with your child’s routine.

• Have (another) talk about what shows/videos/games are appropriate and how much time is reasonable to spend on each.
• Set or adjust parental controls as needed on TV, tablets, phones for both content and time limits.
• Check in regularly with your child about what they’re watching and who they’re talking to online.

RESOURCE: Family Screen Time Contract (Psychology Today)

Provide Alternative Activity Choices

Want your children to spend less time on screens? Think about grab-and-go activities that are easy for your child to reach for instead of a screen.

• For summer, pump up bike tires and basketballs, bring up water toys, and refill art supply bins
• Leave out puzzles, books, and play kits to invite unplugged play
• For colder months, make sure your child has snow gear that fits! You could also print activity sheets or a start a winter activity bin for the days where outdoor play isn’t an option
• Plan regular trips to the library to stock up on books for daily reading and refresh what’s in your rotation

VIDEO: Loose Parts Play for Children (Action for Children)

Keep Simple, Flexible Routines

If meals, snacks, bedtime, or other routines are going to be changing, plan ahead for the modifications.

• Will your child have access to certain snacks or drinks or will they need your help? Having an open fruit bowl or water bottles that children can grab independently can cut down on the constant requests
• If they are going to child care or camp program, be sure to review their schedule in advance. For older children, review the schedule together to boost their independence. 
• If you’ll mostly be staying at home, decide together what the daily expectations are, whether that’s getting dressed by a certain time, having some outside time, etc

RESOURCE: Rules and Routines (TAPP)

Set Expectations and Stick to Them

• Family roadtrips, sleepovers, visits to the zoo, and trips to the amusement parks are fun to plan — but they’re not everyday occurrences. Letting your child know the guidelines and expectations ahead of time can eliminate a lot battles over screen time and the complaints and questions about what they should be doing. 
• Relaxing bedtime a little or allowing a little more screen time might work for your family during the off-school season, but families still function best when there is a basic routine and we all (including the kids!) know what to expect.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to screen time, especially during the long, unstructured days when school isn’t in session. But by planning ahead, keeping routines flexible but present, and offering plenty of alternatives, your family can make the most of this time – without spending the entire day behind a screen!

Looking for after school care or activities for your child?
Find resources at actionforchildren.org/resources or get in touch with our team by visiting actionforchildren.org/childcare.

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Author: Melinda Moreno, Triple P Program Coordinator at Action for Children

Action for Children’s Triple P services are offered in partnership with The Positive Parenting Program and funded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Action for Children’s generous donors. Learn More.

About Action for Children: Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.