4 screen-smart ways to make the most of your family time

Summer chaos is real. Bedtimes drift; routines unravel; and screens show up a lot. But according to digital wellness expert Teodora Pavkovic, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing—it’s actually an opening.

“When you use tech with intention, it can create space to slow down and connect,” says Pavkovic.

Other experts agree. Behavior analyst and mom of four Saundra Bishop says the slower summer pace naturally creates more downtime for family time—perfect for bonding over a Minecraft realm or a shared Roblox hobby.

“Some of our best conversations happen when we’re playing a game or texting,” Bishop says. “It gives us a little space to talk about big stuff.”

Seeking screen-smart ways to bond this summer? Here are a few ideas—from tech-powered adventures to full-on unplugged days—that make connection feel easy.

Let the multi-player summer games begin.

Grab some popcorn and jump into whatever multi-player game your kid’s into right now. Challenge them to a winner-takes-the-last-s’more match or just ask them to teach you how it works. Explaining a game helps kids build confidence—and patience.

Try this for family time tonight:

• Ask your kid to show you how to play their favorite game—even if you’re terrible at it.
• Build a simple version of your local playground or dream vacation spot together in a building game like Minecraft.
• Want to go big? Host your own outdoor multi-player tournament using a projector and a gaming console like Xbox.

“Tech” it outside.

There are tons of ways to use screens to get outside. Those days with no plan? That’s where the magic happens. The trick is to use tech as a jumping-off point, not the main event. So let the kids mind the GPS map next time you take a walk together outside, or try a geocaching app. “It makes kids feel important and skilled,” Bishop says. She says these tech-powered adventures result in chatty kids, too. “It gives just enough distraction and space for them to open up about important stuff.”

Try this for family time tonight:

• Use a constellation-identification app on your next late-night dog walk.
• Download a geocaching app and find a local treasure with zero prep.
• Let your kid copilot with the GPS map on the next road trip.
• Record a two-minute “family podcast” on your phone to capture vacation stories or dinner-table debates.

Get silly together with AI.

Artificial intelligence can feel overwhelming—but if you and your child use it together, it can be another way to be silly, curious and creative as a family. “The thing is, AI adoption is on the rise among teens,” Pavkovic says, “and they will increasingly be asked to utilize it at school and work.” Summertime is a good time to teach them to use it in a safe and fun way.  You don’t have to be a tech expert. Just bring a sense of humor.

Try this for family time tonight:

• Ask a generative AI tool to make a scavenger hunt list. (“Find something fuzzy, purple and shaped like a triangle.”)
• Tell it to write a bedtime story starring your family dog as a secret agent.
• Create a dinner recipe using whatever’s left in your fridge. (“Rainbow spaghetti” is optional.)
• Use an AI image tool to draw your family as pirates, aliens or breakfast foods.

Challenge your kids to tech-free days.

Some days, the best way to connect is to unplug. Pick one day a week when everyone puts their phones down (yes, even you). Keep it fun, not forced—make a competition out of who can go the longest without picking up a device.

Try this for family time tonight (or this weekend):

• Everyone puts their phone in a bowl. The first one to crack does the dishes.
• Dust off old board games or start a goofy backyard talent show.
• Give kids a role: the grill pro or DJ.

Real connection doesn’t mean perfection.

Some days, screen time will save your sanity. Other days, you’ll manage without it. Either way, it’s not about being perfect—it’s just about being present.

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