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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Don't default to screens as a travel and "in-between" activity. Screens are great, but make it intentional: family movie night, designated TV time to watch a favorite show, selected games or apps to be played after finishing homework or chores.

We didn't do screens during travel until our kid was 7, and then only as a request for a specific activity ("Can I watch an episode of [x show]"). They still don't have their own iPad (now 10) except as provided by the school for school stuff (which comes locked from stuff like YouTube and is really only available for educational things). So they have to ask us to use an iPad. Still great at technology, great with a computer. But screens have a designated use.

I would also suggest working hard on your own screen usage. This was harder for my DH than me, but once our kid was in school it got easier because he could basically hide his screen time from her. But when we are together as a family, phones are away except to take a call, send a text, or look up something specific. No mindless scrolling or playing games (trust me, we do that during non-family time, we are normal and deeply imperfect).

Our kid doesn't really even ask for screens that much. Likes to read (something we also do in front of her a lot, something that is easier when we aren't on our phones all the time, so win-win). Likes to talk to us. Likes to play games a lot. Enjoys listening to music or podcasts.

It also helps that peers seem to be similarly restricted from or on reduced screen time -- one of the positives of living in a very liberal, middle class area is that a lot of other families have similar values. But the biggest thing is to not push screens as a way to occupy your kid (which yes, means more work for you especially when they are younger and more annoying), and to try and demonstrate good behavior around screens by not zoning out in front of them, at least while your kid is around. This gets easier once they are in school or activities because it gives you a chance to do that when they aren't around. Just being honest -- I know this makes me a hypocrite. But I didn't grow up addicted to screens, it happened later. I'm trying to similarly preserve that for my kid.[/quote]

This is great advice.  
You can do it, OP, but it is very difficult and you have to be very intentional.  It's great that you are starting to think hard about this now because whatever you decide to do, it will be harder than you think.  Set your standards in advance with the knowledge that there will be slippage.   Think very carefully about what age you will permit them to get their first "device" of any kind.  It's easy to fall for "screens" that are marketed as educational toys.  Try to never have your phones in hand at the dinner table or during family time. 
Finding like-minded families/friends/peers will be very important.  [/quote]

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