2026 is officially here. Have you decided what you will do this year? Will you create a more organized weekly schedule, or learn new dinner recipes? Will you focus on hitting your reading list, or finally sort through the clutter in your garage? Have you decided on making any major changes in your life? Might I suggest: Take a moment to reflect on how you and your family use screens
It’s no question that technology has become an integral part of everyday lives. Smartphones hold tools like a digital GPS, high-speed internet, instant messaging, and entertainment at the touch of a button. Smartphones are only the start of a long list of technology-driven outlets.
Technology has many benefits, like the features listed before. But it comes with its not-so-positive usages. This year, feel encouraged to swap out the screens with new habits that will ultimately improve day-to-day tendencies in your life and your family’s.
Improve Daily Tendencies
Both in the morning and before bed, keep 20–30 minutes screen-free. This will help you either wake up fresh-minded or wind down quietly, without all the noise your phone brings.
Whether during snacks or meals, try to go screen-free. Without a screen distracting you, you are better focused on eating and conversation with your family.
Set blocks of time every day to step away from the screen. For example, 50–60 minutes of reading, walking, journaling, or crafting–whatever it is that you feel inclined to do.
Designate screen-free zones, like the play room, bed rooms, and dining room. In these rooms, focus is on what they are meant for–playing, sleeping, and eating.
Plan screen-free evenings with your families. Choose a night or two every week to spend in company with each other, minus the phones. Play a board game, make a cake, go on a bike ride, etc.
Set intentional goals when using your screens. Is there a purpose to what you are doing, like researching something for work or messaging a family member? Or, are you aimlessly scrolling? Each time you turn to your screen, remind yourself of its specific use at that moment.
Encourage your kids to embrace boredom. It will challenge them to use their imagination to all of its abilities, and develop new hobbies and interests.
Set an example for your children. In the big year of 2026, stepping away from your screen can be challenging–but unplugging and detoxing will allow life to slow down, making room for new hobbies and activities, and overall improve the daily habits of your and your family’s life.