Digital Play for the Holiday Season

Managing children's screen time during the holiday season can be a challenge for parents. Your child may have been gifted a new device and the novelty factor means it’s hard to get them to put it down. With screens everywhere, many caregivers worry about the potential impact of excessive screen exposure on their children's development. These concerns are natural—but it’s important to recognize that not all screen time is harmful. When used appropriately, digital devices can offer a wealth of benefits. The key is finding a balance, allowing children to enjoy the positives of technology while maintaining healthy boundaries.

The Positive Side of Digital Play

While it’s easy to focus on the negatives of screen use, digital play can serve as a vital educational and creative tool. Interactive games, educational apps, and TV shows can stimulate your child's mind and promote essential developmental skills. Many platforms support literacy, numeracy and problem-solving in engaging ways, encouraging critical thinking and enhancing hand-eye coordination.

Screens can also bolster social engagement, especially during this family-focused time of year. Video chats with family members we can’t physically be with can help maintain connections and share special moments. Similarly, digital group activities and safe online communities provide children with opportunities to build connections, particularly for those who find face-to-face interactions challenging. These digital interactions can foster empathy, improve communication skills, and create a sense of belonging, which are crucial for emotional development.

Why Setting Clear Limits is Important

While acknowledging these benefits, it’s important to ensure that screen time remains just one part of a well-rounded play experience. Screens certainly shouldn’t dominate your child’s day. Like a balanced diet that includes various nutrients, a “Balanced Play Diet” is vital for mental and emotional well-being. As tempting as it may be to let your child be on a device for long periods during the holiday season, setting clear limits is essential to prevent overexposure, which can lead to sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and even emotional issues.

Establishing boundaries begins with rules about when, where, and how much screen time is allowed. Consistency is key. For instance, you might decide that screens are not allowed on certain days of the week or within an hour or two before bedtime. Creating technology-free zones in your home, such as bedrooms or family gathering spaces, can help prioritize face-to-face interactions. 

Not All Digital Play Is Equal

Not all digital play activities are created equal. Educational and creative apps, for example, hold much more value than passive TV viewing. Keep an eye on what your child is watching or playing, and help them choose content that’s high quality, age appropriate, and matches your family values. Create a holiday screen time plan, as a family, that outlines what screen-based activities are okay during the holiday season. This time of year is also a good opportunity to introduce other activities that balance out screen time, such as reading Christmas stories together, doing festive arts and crafts, baking, and spending time outdoors. 

Encouraging a Balanced Lifestyle

Children need lots of off-screen activities to develop a broad range of skills and interests. Encourage hobbies that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interactions. Activities like family board games, cooking, sports and imaginative roleplay, to name but a few, will give your child hands-on experiences that help build essential life skills. This variety not only reduces screen time but also supports overall wellbeing.

Teaching Digital Literacy and Online Safety

Children are likely to spend more time online during the holiday season, so teaching them about digital citizenship and internet safety is vital. Ensure your child understands responsible online behavior, including respecting others and recognizing potential risks. Open communication about the digital world is crucial; regularly discussing the content they consume helps build trust and empowers them to navigate online spaces safely.

Leading by Example

Children often mimic adult behavior, so it’s essential that parents model healthy screen habits. If children see you using technology in moderation, they are more likely to do the same. Be mindful of your own screen time in front of your child, and be fully present during the time you spend as a family. This reinforces the idea that technology is just one part of life, not the main focus.

Conclusion

Digital play, when used thoughtfully, can be an enriching tool in your child's life. But balance is key. By embracing the benefits that technology offers while setting clear, consistent boundaries, you can help your child to develop a healthy relationship with screens. This holiday season, aim to make technology a positive part of family life—one that enriches rather than overshadows the joy and togetherness of the festive period.