Vacation periods such as Holy Week or Christmas represent an ideal time to rest, Share time with the family and disconnect from the usual rhythm of the school year. However, this pause can also be accompanied by a Increase in time against screens. Tablets, mobiles, consoles and televisions tend to occupy more hours than those recommended, often generating tensions inside the home.
Positively manage technology During these days it is not only possible, but essential to favor the well -being of childhood, maintain family harmony and promote responsible digital habits. Next, I share some recommendations to accompany the use of screens consciously during vacation days.
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1. agree clear rules from the beginning
Although routines are flexible, The limits are still necessary. That is why it is convenient anticipate and establish, together with the children, some Basic rules on the use of devices: How long can they use them, in what moments, what kind of content is allowed and in which spaces of the house.
For example, you can remember half an hour with the tablet after eating, or watch a family movie together after completing other activities. The more specific and agreed the agreements, the less place there will be for conflicts.
2. Choose content that contributes value
Time in front of the screen is not the only relevant factor: it also matters how it is used. It is not the same to leave the child watching random videos for hours than to propose a shared film, a tutorial to create something with their hands or a cooperative game that stimulates thought.
In this sense, the ideal is to opt for proposals that encourage creativity, learning and positive interaction. Educational platforms like www.cristic.com They offer Online games for pedagogical purposes, free of advertising and violence, where children can play in a playful way what they learned in class.
3. Propose stimulating alternatives
Deciding the use of screens does not mean eliminating leisure, but enriching it with other attractive options. Therefore, it is useful Prepare a list of “offline” activities in advance For this vacation: from doing crafts o cook A special recipe, even outdoor excursions or build an impromptu cabin.
A fun option is to create a “jar of ideas” where each member of the proposed family contributions, which will then be randomly taken out. This dynamic not only implies children, but also motivates them to participate in the alternatives with greater enthusiasm.
4. Accompany and supervise
Responsible use of technology requires more than controlling time or activating parental filters: it needs adult presence. It is important to know What do children consume, what do they think about it, with whom they share it and how it affects them.
Seeing with them a video, being interested in their favorite video game or talking about what they have seen on the Internet are key actions to reinforce the affective bond and foster critical thinking. Las parental control tools They can support, but the True accompaniment is born of active listening and involvement.
5. Be an example of the use we want to transmit
Children learn more than we do than we say. Therefore, during the holidays, it is a good idea that adults also limit our use of screens, we show interest in activities without technology and delimit together when and where the devices can be used.
A simple example: create a “Mobile parking” At the table or decide together that in certain rooms screens will not be used. Teach, more than an option, it is the most effective way to educate in the conscious use of technology.
6. Keep calm and show empathy
During these days, they are likely to appear Moments of tension: insistence to continue playing, anger when turning off the console or disagreements about what to see. Given this, keep calm, validate your emotions and accompany with affectionate It will be key.
Some phrases that can help: - "I know you would like to continue, and at the same time it is important to comply with what we have agreed.”
– “We save the tablet and then you can choose between going to the park or prepare a recipe.”
These types of responses do not eliminate frustration instantly, but They help establish limits with respect and empathy, teaching emotional self -regulation.
The screens are not the enemy, but they do require a Conscious management by adults. Establish agreements, choose good contents, offer interesting alternatives, accompany carefully and give example are some of the keys to Build a healthy relationship with technology. Thus, also on vacation, we can enjoy the break without falling into an excessive use of the devices.
