Put Your Family on a Tech Diet Next Year

I don't know about you, but tablet and smartphone use has gotten a bit out of control in our home — and it's not just the kids. I feel like we can't go 20 minutes without checking our devices for emails, Instagram updates, and sports scores. So now that the New Year is here, I'm putting our family on a tech diet. Like all good diets, we're not going cold turkey, but we are gradually going to make some changes to how and when we use our iPads and smartphones. Not only will it help our eyes, but I'm confident that it will bring us closer together. Read on to see the seven steps we're taking to reduce our tech use as a family.

01
Make Dinnertime a Device-Free Zone
Flickr user Jim Pennucci

Make Dinnertime a Device-Free Zone

Whether you're eating dinner at home or in a restaurant, make everyone leave their phones in a different room during mealtimes. Not only is it rude to have your device at the table, but it's too tempting to check it when it is lying on the table. Use the time to talk about your days, learn what's going on, and just connect. The messages will be there when the meal is over.

02
Turn Off Push Notifications and Sounds
Flickr user QratorApp

Turn Off Push Notifications and Sounds

If your phone isn't constantly buzzing, you won't be as inclined to pick it up. Turn off all push notifications, silence your ringer for everything except phone calls, and watch your tendency to pick it up quickly decline.

03
Don't Google It — Look It Up!
Flickr user greeblie

Don't Google It — Look It Up!

Remember that thing called a dictionary or, better yet, an encyclopedia? If you have a physical one in your home, turn to it instead of your phone, tablet, or computer to find the answer. Because once you're on your device, you and your kids are more likely to start checking email, social media accounts, or even the score of the big game.

04
Make Bedtime a Device-Free Zone
Flickr user popofatticus

Make Bedtime a Device-Free Zone

Don't even bring your device into your kids' rooms at bedtime, and you won't feel the urge to check it. Bedtime should be a sacred time where you read a goodnight story and help your little one to bed. If your kids are anything like mine, bedtime is the time when they open up about their days — and you really don't want to miss that!

05
Switch Your Phone to Airplane Mode When You're at Your Kids' Events
Flickr user Sean MacEntee

Switch Your Phone to Airplane Mode When You're at Your Kids' Events

I'm not saying that the school play is boring or that you child's baseball game isn't captivating, but even if your smartphone is in your hand to photograph the event, there's a good chance you might sneak a peek or two at your email or that incoming text message. While you don't think your kids will notice, they likely do. By switching the device to Airplane Mode, you can still record the event for posterity without the temptation to check anything else.

06
Ban Handheld Devices in the Bedroom
Flickr user amy gizienski

Ban Handheld Devices in the Bedroom

This one applies to parents and kids. You don't need to be checking your email or social media accounts before you get out of bed every morning, and you don't need to check them right before closing your eyes for the night. Plus, if the same rules apply to everyone, you can keep better tabs on what your kids are doing online.

07
Create a Central Charging Space
Flickr user designmilk

Create a Central Charging Space

With all the family's phones and tablets in one space, parents can keep a better eye on them — and ensure that the kids aren't on them when they're supposed to be doing homework or falling asleep. It also makes everyone aware when one of the devices is "missing."