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Life Happens - Back to School Season - Screen Time Reset and Almost 40?


Hey friends! It's been a minute since I've had the chance to sit down and blog. Why? Because LIFE this summer has been a whirlwind. Camps, parties, work trips and trying to keep up a social life of my own...it was a lot. And let's be honest, there's still so much I didn't get around to.


To top it off, my best friend is getting married in Cartagena, Colombia, and mentally, I'm already there!!! Trying to balance travel plans, family activities, and work...whew! And then came August—what August? I blinked, and we were already back to school.

On the bright side, both of my kids are at the same school this year! Kristopher started kindergarten, and Khloe is in 5th grade. New school year, new level of parenting unlocked!


With back to school comes a tech reset in the Bagley household. Let me be honest: our summer was all about flex time when it came to screen time. During the day, the kids are mostly offline, working on review activities or playing indoors or outside. We primarily save screen time for the evenings before bed with a few exceptions. Weekends and visits to the grandparents? A lot more relaxed. But one thing's for sure—I always have parental settings activated.
  
Now that we’re back to school, it’s a different story. I’m sure most parents can relate—the first few weeks are busy. Add extracurricular activities to the mix (we've got a dancer and a baseball player in the house), and things get even more hectic. Plus, I have a full-time job, which thankfully, I do remotely, but it still means juggling a lot of moving pieces. But, I am happy to say we are finally starting to settle into our school routine.




As for screen time? Well, my rule is simple: if they finish their homework, clean their rooms, eat dinner, bathe, and—very important—read, they can have about 30 minutes of screen time. But with all the activities and homework, they usually don't even get around to it.

And guess what? I'm turning 40 this year! Honestly, I'm embracing it. I'm working on staying on top of my health. Even though the gym and I don’t always get along, I feel so much better when I go. And with fall in Michigan being so beautiful—the cider mills, the leaves changing, the smells, the food...yes, I need the gym! I am also seeking out new experiences, and focusing on what I can control. It’s all about looking at the bright side of life and making the most out of every moment. As I step into this new chapter, I’m determined to find joy, prioritize self-care, and continue growing alongside my family.

I want to remind us all, especially in these uncertain times, to give ourselves grace. Every family is different, and finding a balanced routine that works for yours is key. As we navigate back to school, here are some tips to help manage screen time:

Back-to-School Screen Time Solutions:

1. Create a Digital Schedule: Set specific times for screen use that fit around school, homework, and activities. Kids thrive on structure and knowing when they can expect some digital fun.

2. Set Clear Expectations: Make sure your kids know the rules around screen time, including what they need to accomplish before they can have it. This could include chores, homework, or reading

3. Incorporate Educational Apps: If they’re going to be on screens, why not sneak in some learning? There are tons of great apps that make learning fun.

4. Encourage Outdoor Play: Balance screen time with active play. Getting outside, moving their bodies, and soaking in some fresh air is great for both kids and parents.

5. Stay Involved: Monitor what they’re watching and playing. Having conversations about the content helps them think critically and stay safe online.

6. Model Good Behavior: Kids learn from what they see. If we’re glued to our screens, they’ll want to be, too. Let’s lead by example.


As we move through this back-to-school season, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves. Home life looks different for every family, and that’s okay. We’re all just doing our best. Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and finding the right rhythm for our homes!


Cheers to a great school year ahead!

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