2024: A Year of Digital Wellness Wins for Parents

As we begin to close out 2024, I’m reflecting on how much we’ve learned and grown as parents managing tech in our families. From setting screen time limits to navigating device gifting, we tackled some tough topics together. Here’s a look back at our most valuable lessons—and how we’ll keep building healthier digital habits in 2025.

1. How Tech Pulls Us In

This year, we dove into the ways technology grabs our attention. We learned about:

Mindless Scrolling — How endless feeds and autoplay can pull us away from family time.

Constant Checking — Feeling the need to respond to emails and messages immediately.

The Rabbit Hole Effect — One more video turns into an hour-long binge session.

But we didn’t stop there—we found ways to regain control:

Reviewing Family Goals and Values — Reconnecting with what matters most when spending time together.

Using Autoresponders & Time Blocking — Setting specific times for email and message responses.

Turning Off Autoplay & Using Timers — Adding friction to tech use to stay intentional.

2. Screen Time: From Battle to Balance

We reframed screen time as something to guide, not fear. Together, we explored:

Creating a Family Tech Plan to build shared expectations.

Setting Limits with Flexibility to balance fun and responsibility.

Co-Viewing and Co-Using apps to stay connected through tech.

3. Media Literacy and Digital Resilience

This year, we focused on helping kids think critically about the media they consume. We learned to:

Spot Misinformation by evaluating online sources.

Use Trusted Platforms for research and learning.

Discuss Social Media Pitfalls like curated online lives and comparison culture.

4. Tackling Tech Challenges with Empathy

Navigating tech struggles became less stressful as we adopted a more empathetic approach:

Managing Digital Disagreements — Handling social media missteps with grace.

Talking About Comparison Culture — Helping kids understand online perfection isn’t reality.

Engaging in Two-Way Tech Talks — Allowing teens to share their views while holding boundaries.

5. Holiday Device Gifting Done Right

We finished the year strong by getting smart about gifting devices:

Setting Up Devices Before Wrapping to avoid post-unwrapping frustration.

Choosing Intentional First Apps focused on learning, creativity, and connection.

Reviewing Privacy Settings together to keep kids safe online.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we head into a new year, stay committed to intentional tech use. Digital wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Tiny habits build up to big changes. I'll support you, I'll listen to your wins and frustrations, and I'm always an email or DM away when you need advice.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me this year. I hope that you have found my site, blog and resources helpful for you, your family and maybe even passed along to your friends. I’m excited to keep learning and growing together in 2025! Keep your eyes peeled for my guest spot on a podcast which I'll share with you in January!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and tech-positive new year! This will be my last blog post for the year, but you can still find Instagram posts with all the tips and information helping you along the way.

Heather

Need more guidance?

Check out my Digital Wellness Course for your tween, teen or yourself!

Stay connected with your tween/teen by downloading my conversation starters!