OUR SUMMER TECH PLAN

BEST USE

As a family time discussion guide to create a healthy plan for using devices and technology in a God-honoring way during the summer

ADVANCE PREPARATION

• Schedule a family time and include some special treats such as ice cream sundaes or cookies
• Look through the ideas found on the reverse side and think through what will work best for your family

DURING THE FAMILY TIME

1. Read through the ideas/tips together.
2. Discuss and create a summer tech plan using this guide to talk about the positive/negative aspects of technology. Your family will have the greatest success if you help establish the “why” behind the plan.

READ:

Look up and discuss two scriptures as a foundation for setting internal values and talking about the “why” behind technology boundaries.

• Guard your mind (see Philippians 4:8)
• Setting time limits (see 1 Corinthians 6:12)

CHOOSE A STRATEGY:

• Tech Tickets: Do a chore or make a good choice to earn a ticket/sticker, which you may turn in for a certain amount of tech time.
• Before Tech Time: Have a list of items/chores that need to be completed before your tech time.
• Create Your Own Strategy: Use your current system or create a new one, and add a summer technology plan to help manage time and priorities. Check out Choremonster and OurPact to set limits, block, schedule, and grant access to devices.

TECH TIPS:

• Be Together: Engage in technology together vs everyone on their own devices.
• Protection: Invest in software services such as Covenant Eyes to help protect your family when using a device that can access the web. Use promo code CONNECTED for a free 30-day trial at covenanteyes.com
• Charging Time: Set a time frame when everyone will charge their devices in one place like the kitchen or parent’s bedroom. (ie. 8pm-7am)
• Time Limits: Set limits for how long each family member can be on devices, including yourself. (Exceptions may apply for time spent on trips and work.)
• Tech-free Zones: Create certain times or places (mealtime, car time, bedrooms, etc.) that are tech-free to help protect and promote family interaction.
• Model Behavior: Put your device down and connect with your child. Model now what you want your kids to do in the future.

OUR HOME SUMMER TECH PLAN

Write out your summer tech plan. Include the strategy, exceptions, limits, and tech-free zones.Have everyone sign it and then go enjoy a dessert together.

PDF Version