Holiday Break: Plan Ahead to Protect and Guide Them

Holiday break is around the corner. As parents and grandparents, we love extra days with our children, but lack of routine can make for difficult moments. Are you ready?

Maybe you’re wondering how your children will spend their time. Will everyone get along? Will they stay out of trouble?

Before school dismisses and families gather, prepare. Make a schedule for their time and form a plan to keep their devices safe.

Protect

Christmas is a great time to purchase new devices. But it’s our job to ensure the safety and well-being of our children by adding protective features before we put them under the tree. According to a Common Sense Media report, 58% of teens surveyed said they encountered pornography accidentally. Therefore, shield your children from accidental exposure to pornographic content by following these steps.

  • Use parental controls on each device and for each app. Before gifting a new device to your child, open it and add parental controls. If you’re confused about which phone or watch to purchase, read Secure Your Holidays: Complete Kid-Safe Smartphone and Watch Guide at Defend Young Minds. · Most importantly, have open, ongoing, honest discussions with your children about online dangers. Ask them questions and educate them about harms. Tell them you love them and that keeping them safe is your job. These conversations solidify your relationship and create an atmosphere for your child to feel comfortable talking with you about current or future problems.
  • Add a filter to your Wi-Fi router or use a Wi-Fi router with a built-in filter. We recommend Gryphon (use this affiliate link for $10 off) or Bark Home Internet filter. With these filters, you manage the internet-connected devices in your home. For more extensive information on Wi-Fi routers and what they do, read The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Routers at Protect Young Eyes.
  • The next level of protection is the device level. Add a filter on each Smartphone, computer, iPad, etc., like Covenant Eyes (use this affiliate link for 30 days free) or Canopy (use promo code Hopefulmom to receive a 7-day free trial and a 20% discount on subscriptions).

Plans

Sit with your children and ask how they intend to fill their days while they’re home. Do they have homework? Do they hope to get together with friends? What holiday traditions do they look forward to?

Discuss expectations, both yours and theirs. Cover topics like bedtime, time to get up in the morning, screen time, and daily chores. Brainstorm non-screen time activities. Grab the board

games from the back of the closet, write a meal plan together, and make a list of favorite places to visit.

Planning and adding structure helps everyone understand expectations and keeps emotions in check. When children are bored and don’t have direction, they are more apt to feel lonely or depressed. They may also spend extra time on their phones, which could lead to anxiety and strife. When they have a purpose and a strategy, they feel useful and are more joyful.

Here are more ideas to help start your list:

  • Have a friend night.
  • Drive around town and look at lights.
  • Read aloud as a family.
  • Have a movie night.
  • Bake cookies.
  • Cook s’mores over a fire.
  • Go shopping together.

Planning Ahead

Lean into your children’s likes. Do they enjoy crafting? Are they avid readers? Are they musical? Ask how you can help them hone their skills during the break.

Think of ways to assist others. Do your children have clothes they can donate? (This is a great time to clean out that closet!) Can they volunteer at a local non-profit? When shopping, are they willing to purchase an extra item to give away? Focusing on others lightens our mood and lifts our spirits.

When you plan ahead, your break will be more relaxing and more enjoyable. We hope your holiday break is full of joy and family fun!

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