As the holidays get closer and closer, you may be feeling nostalgic or wanting a sense of togetherness this season. It is, after all, one of the driving forces of Thanksgiving and Christmas, to name just a few of the many holidays near the end of the year. If your kids are constantly on their phones, you may want to rethink the festivities and set a few ground rules before guests start to arrive to fully embrace the time you all have together.
Limiting Phone Time
This can be a doozy for sure, especially if you have teenagers at home. But if you are having family and friends over for a big to-do, chances are they don’t come around very often. Your children may not realize how important it is to spend more time with extended family but down the road they may. Depending on your children’s ages and how much time they spend on their phones, you can set parameters on when and how long they can use them. They may be super bummed about it, but explaining the why behind it may be enough to simmer their temperaments.
Compromise If Needed
And not just completely cutting off their cell phones can also make the transition a little easier for them as well. You can give them the chance to go on their phones maybe a few hours into guest’s arriving, as after they have said their hellos, there can be a small window, like 30 minutes to an hour, where they can use their phone to talk to friends who aren’t present. Guests may be mingling or helping with the cooking so there’s less of a chance to catch up. But once dinner begins, the phone gets put away and depending on how many hands you have helping with the cleanup, this could be another brief window of phone time for your teens.
Present Time
If there are gifts being handed out, this could be a time that phones are allowed simply for taking pictures and maybe a quick post on social media, but not for simply passing time. It’s always fun having photos of the present-opening experience to be able to look back on! But once the wrapping has been thrown out and the socializing and partying is back into swing, phones have to be put away. If your teens are moaning away the evening, break out some fun activities that any family member can get behind, such as board games, charades, karaoke, and more! Your children may be whining now, but years down the road they will be grateful for the time spent with family!
Happy Holidays!
Katie Kyzivat