8 Ways To Model Healthy Tech Usage As A WFH Parent💼

We’re here to help you build clear, consistent tech boundaries and open up conversations at home surrounding screens so that you can show up in both your professional and personal life with greater intentionality and focus. And remember that juggling work and parenting is never easy, so be sure to cut yourself some slack as we discuss realistic solutions for modeling healthier tech use at home.

How to model health tech habits for your child
While working from home, you likely rely on technology to complete tasks and correspond
with colleagues, so it can be tough to put your phone down or close your laptop in order to
better connect with those around you. Instead of trying to find the perfect balance, let’s
look at a few small changes you can make at home so that you and your family members
can feel your best.

1. Mindfully define your relationship with tech. It’s important to first take a step back
   and ask yourself what role you want technology to play in your life. What does a
   healthy relationship look like to you? Are there times when you want to be able to
   focus more fully on work? Are there times when you want to put your devices aside
   and be more present for what is happening at home? It can be helpful to take some
   time to journal about your experience in order to gain clarity and insights into any
   changes you’re hoping to make.
2. Set limits for yourself. It’s easy to get stuck in a never-ending scroll session or to let
   incoming emails completely overwhelm you. It can be helpful to set app limits or set
   parameters around when and where you will use your devices. Maybe you want to
   put your phone away after 6 pm to focus on family time? Or do you want to avoid
   looking at your email inbox until the kids are off to school? Perhaps you could
   consider deleting a social media app off of your phone to free up some of your
   time? Take some time to establish realistic, achievable boundaries that feel right for
   your day-to-day life.
3. Avoid multitasking, when possible. Whether it’s scrolling on our phones while
   watching TV or answering emails while eating lunch, we’ve all gotten pretty used to
   using tech to do many things at once. To support your ability to focus, try setting
   down your devices when doing things like eating meals or talking to the people
   around you.
4.  Model mindfulness. Children are intuitive and can pick up on our habits. Try to
   incorporate mindfulness into your own life, whether it's through meditation, deep
   breathing, or simply being present during daily tasks like washing the dishes or
   preparing a meal. The more they see you simply being aware of your surroundings,
   the more they will follow your lead and do the same.
5. Create screen-free zones. Designate certain spaces in your home, like the kitchen
   table or bedrooms, as tech-free areas. Let your child know that you won’t be using
   phones, TVs, or tablets in these zones and instead want to prioritize the things that
   are most important to you as a family, like spending time together or getting a good
   night’s rest.
6. Make time for yourself. Are there tech-free hobbies or activities that you enjoy, like
   taking an art class, cooking, or going for a nature walk? You deserve to take time to
   recharge and reconnect with yourself.
7. Prioritize moments of connection. Try to check your devices at the door during the
   times that your child is talking to you or when you’re spending focused time
   together. Are they most talkative on walks or during bathtime? Do your best to put
   away your phone so that they have your undivided attention when it matters the
   most.
8. Talk honestly about tech. It’s okay to let your child know that sometimes you
   struggle to juggle it all and that you’re working on creating healthier habits. These
   types of transparent conversations can bring you closer and encourage them to be
   more curious about their own relationship to technology.