Summer is the time for picnics, cookouts, outdoor fun and family gatherings. It doesn’t get any better! But summer also brings days when there is “nothing to do.” Those days are the ones when media becomes the fall back child care option. If we’re not careful those “nothing to do” days start to stack up one after another and screen time escalates. That’s why it so important to plan kids’ summer media carefully so it doesn’t become the dominant or default activity.

I tell parents to watch two things: quantity and quality. Make sure electronic screens are only a part of kids’ days and make sure what they are watching is appropriate for their age. Check the ratings and look for recommendations at the Smart Television Alliance website www.smarttelevisionalliance.org

To avoid the summer spike in screen time, ask your kids if they would rather play outside, watch TV or play a video game. If they choose a screen option, then it’s time to reintroduce them to the great outdoors. Check your paper for local park and nature activities. Or let your kids plan their own nature hunt in your own backyard or local park. You might want to suggest building a mini-golf course or staging their own Olympic Games. Getting kids active often just means letting them activate their own imaginations and creativity. Combine screen time and the outdoors in a new, creative and educational way by encouraging your to kids film their own short movie— only it has to be done outdoors!

Summer goes by all too quickly. There’s never a better time for kids to be outside and families to enjoy summer activities together. For summer activity ideas, family friendly media tips, and alternatives to screen time, read the rest of this guide!

Dr. Dave

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