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Parents enjoy a balanced and fulfilling winter break without constant screen time struggles!

The winter break is a time for family, relaxation, and fun. However, with the increase in screen time during this period, it can be challenging for parents to find a balance between allowing their children to enjoy their devices and ensuring that they are not spending too much time in front of screens.

In today's digital age, it's important for parents to proactively manage their children's screen time in a healthy way. Here are some tips to help parents strike a balance and keep their children engaged and active during the winter break.

1. Set Clear Boundaries: It's essential to set clear rules and boundaries around screen time. For example, parents can establish specific times when screens are allowed, such as after outdoor activities or during designated relaxation periods. By clearly communicating these boundaries, children will know what to expect and will be more likely to adhere to them.

2. Encourage Alternative Activities: Encouraging children to engage in alternative activities to screen time is important. This could include activities such as playing board games, reading, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. By providing a variety of activities, children are less likely to rely on screens for entertainment.

3. Lead by Example: Children learn by example, so it's important for parents to also practice healthy screen time habits. Setting limits on their own screen time and engaging in family activities together shows children the importance of finding a balance between technology and other activities.

4. Use Screen Time Wisely: Instead of viewing all screen time as negative, parents can use technology as a tool to enhance learning and creativity. Encouraging children to engage in educational apps, e-books, and creative projects on their devices can be a positive way to incorporate screen time into their day.

By implementing these tips, parents can manage their children's screen time in a healthy and positive way during the winter break. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging alternative activities, leading by example, and using screen time wisely, parents can help their children enjoy a balanced and fulfilling winter break without the constant nagging to get off their devices.
Author
Dr. Muhammad Zeshan Headshot Dr. Muhammad Zeshan My name is Muhammad Zeshan, MD, and I am a Harvard trained infant, child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist at Inside Out, a private practice based in Princeton, New Jersey. I am currently working as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark, New Jersey. Through Inside Out CURE, my focus is to help individuals become more Compassionate, Understanding, and aware of their inner strength and vulnerabilities, while developing Resilience and Empathy. I offer a variety of mental health care services to all age groups (infancy through adulthood) by applying principals of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, positive psychology, family therapy, parent-child intervention therapy, pharmacology, and neuroscience.

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