Practical, no-fear ways to plan a low-screen, high-connection summer.

Summer screen time has a way of creeping up the moment the school-day structure disappears. In Episode 34 of the Screen Guardians Podcast, Katie sits down with mom of three and former labor-and-delivery nurse Janelle Campbell for an honest conversation about planning an intentional summer — without banning screens or scheduling every second.

They get into why device use spikes over the break, how to decide what you actually want summer to feel like, and the small habits that keep the whole house calmer.

In this episode:

Why rhythm beats a rigid schedule (and how to build one)
The 15-minute one-on-one habit that curbs sibling fighting
Janelle's 4-year tradition: going screen-free through the end of June
"Limits are a tactic, but habits are the goal" — setting screen expectations that stick
Non-smartphone tools for staying connected: Bark watch, Gabb watch/phone, and the tin can
Modeling healthy phone use (100% of kids surveyed said their parents struggle to put the phone down)
Easy wins for hot or rainy days, including free daily bowling

The big takeaway: kids don't need a perfect summer. They need a present parent.

📖 Read the full blog: https://thescreenguardians.com/summer-screen-time-intentional-summer/ 🔗 Grab the family agreement, device guides, and conversation starters inside the Parent Portal: https://thescreenguardians.com/parent-portal/ 💌 Get calm, research-grounded support in your inbox: https://thescreenguardians.com/subscribe/

Not anti-technology. Pro-child.