Amidst cancelled practices, activities, and meetings, more families than ever will be able (forced) to eat dinner together. We suggest making dinners device-free. Research demonstrates family dinners have [remarkable benefits]. These benefits are not dependent upon an organic, gourmet meal, but they are dependent upon focused time. Consider using dinner to take an emotional temperature check: How are you feeling? What is going well? What could be improved? Or discuss simple highs and lows of the day, answer silly questions, or share family stories.
We also suggest removing devices from kids’ bedrooms overnight. Even before quarantine, nearly 80% of kids were using their devices when they’re supposed to be sleeping, with many waking up throughout the night for every notification. With sleep as a critical factor of mental and physical health, like their devices, our kids need to get a good charge overnight.
