The holidays come with all kinds of changes — no school, more family time, new gifts, travel, and about 743 requests for "just one more show." It's easy to feel like screen time becomes a free-for-all this time of year.
Here's the good news: the same three habits that help families thrive with screens in July work just as well in December. Be mindful, watch actively, and use tech as a tool. Think of these as your core screen time anchors. Even when everything else feels upside down, they give you and your child a safe, healthy foundation.
1. Be Mindful: "What's My Goal?"
Most of us (kids and adults alike) reach for screens out of habit — the way we open the fridge when we're not hungry. That's why the first habit is simple but powerful: ask, "What's my goal?" before we press play.
Every answer is valid. Maybe your child wants to zone out with a favorite cartoon. Maybe they want to dance along with a music video. Maybe you need a 20-minute break so you can finish wrapping presents. The point isn't to have the "right" answer, but to be honest and intentional.
👉 Example with a preschooler:
"You can pick one show while I finish making hot cocoa. Do you want to watch the dancing reindeer or the snowman story?"
👉 Example with an older child:
"You've got an hour before dinner. What's your plan — watching YouTube, gaming, or calling a friend?"
By naming the purpose, screens become tools that serve us — not just a default filler of time.
2. Watch Actively
You wouldn't hand your child a book and walk away forever. Reading works best when you snuggle in, talk about the pictures, and ask questions. Screen time is no different. Engagement matters more than hours.
For young kids, co-viewing is gold. Sit nearby, ask what's happening, and repeat back words or songs. ("You found the letter S! Can you see another one?")
For bigger kids, conversation keeps it active. ("What's the funniest part of that video?" or "Why do you think that character made that choice?")
For the whole family, joining in the fun creates connection. Dance along, play the game together, or laugh at the silly moments.
Active watching turns screens from background noise into a bonding activity — and research shows it builds critical thinking and comprehension, too.
3. Use Tech as a Tool
Just like transportation, technology has many uses: a bike gets you places differently than a train or a car. Screens can entertain, but they can also teach, connect, and create.
Holidays are a great time to experiment with the "tool" side of tech:
- Video chat with faraway family so kids still feel connected.
- Make a silly family dance challenge (and talk about why we keep videos private).
- Record a short "holiday podcast" where kids interview grandparents about traditions.
- Use drawing apps or coding games for creative play, not just passive viewing.
When kids see tech as a tool, they start to think beyond "watch another video" and discover ways to use it that reflect curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem solving.
A Holiday Analogy
Think of it like holiday treats. Sure, we may eat more cookies in December than usual. But we also brush our teeth, drink water, and know we'll return to regular habits in January.
The same goes for screen time: yes, there will probably be more of it during the holidays. That's okay. As long as we keep mindful use, active watching, and tech-as-a-tool in play, our kids will head into the new year with healthy digital habits intact.