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How to avoid digital overdrive on the family road trip

“When travelling with someone, take large doses of patience and tolerance with your morning coffee.”— Helen Hayes (Now double it if you have kids – Habyts). The family getaway. Nothing but relaxing, family bonding and sunshine to look forward to….HA. We wish. To future parents, please note that family trips away will now consist of … Continued

3 clever ways to stop kids screaming for screen time

We’ve all been guilty of it. You just need two minutes to yourself to get the washing up done so you give your child your tablet to play on. Or you’re out and about and they won’t stop nagging you until you hand over your phone. It’s ok, we’ve all been there. No one prepared … Continued

How to make your kids happier…it’s not what you think

Did you know you spend 3 times longer on websites and apps that make you unhappy than you do on apps that make you happy? Why? And how can you teach your kids not to do the same? What’s currently happening… A Ted Talk from Adam Alter revealed that the average digital media user will … Continued

Why Old-School Parenting Techniques Don’t Work For Screen Time

“Old ways won’t open new doors.” – Anonymous How many times have you tried to tame this family issue: too much screen time? There are many old-school parenting techniques you can try… …but few techniques truly have a lasting impact. Trust us, we know! All too often, you try out a new tool or technique… …do your homework … Continued

School-Year Screen-Time Rules from a Teacher

Take it from a middle school teacher and mom: Kids need to manage their online activities — and parents need to help them do it. Article originally published by Commonsensemedia.org in September 2018 as part of Common Sense Media’s Parent Voices series, which provides a platform for opinions about parenting in the digital age. All ideas expressed … Continued

How to Set Screen Rules That Stick

Easy tips for limiting kids’ computer, TV, game, and movie time. Article originally published by Commonsensemedia.org in January 2018. In many homes, getting kids to turn off their cell phones, shut down the video games, or quit YouTube can incite a revolt. And if your kids say they need to be online for schoolwork, you may not know when the research stops and … Continued

The 3 Tech Rules Kids Wish You Would Follow

“Put your phone away when I’m talking to you.”  One assumes this is a parent talking to their child, right? As it turns out, kids think that too.  A key study examining how kids view tech rules and expectations at home reveals kids want tech rules! So let’s cut to the chase and explore the 3 tech … Continued

25 ways to avoid the screen-time hangover

Now that December is well and truly here, it’s time to start thinking about the Christmas break. The time when all the family comes together and celebrates a magical time of year… Or not. Once your kids have opened their present and found the latest iPhone or tablet that you got them, you may as … Continued

How to get your screen-sucking teenager to listen to you

It’s the anomaly that hits every parent. One day your sweet, lovely child is there. The next, they’re replaced with a sullen, screen-sucking teenager who refuses to look up from their phone and acknowledge your presence. If you’re lucky, you’ll get responses like “school was fine”, “I’ve done my homework” — and on the rare … Continued

Habyts celebrates ADHD Awareness Month 2018

Parenting is hard, parenting with ADHD even more so. Add distracting technology and limiting screen time seems impossible. We know, we’ve been there. Screen time self-control depends on the brain’s executive function – and ADHD undermines executive function. That’s why kids with ADHD find it harder to avoid excessive gaming, social media and other digital … Continued