If there's one goal most parents share, it's staying a step ahead of their kids regarding media and technology. From bizarre YouTube clips to endless Minecraft building sessions to provocative selfies, children constantly push boundaries (and our patience) with the latest downloads, shows, and games. Even as we steer them toward productive device use—homework, creative projects, learning—we still clash over safety, screen limits, suitable content, and the importance of looking someone in the eye instead of at a screen during a conversation.
This year offers a fresh chance to change that. Learning to coexist peacefully with media and tech—in a way that fits your family—is one of the most forward-thinking steps you can take as a parent navigating the digital era. Who knows? One of these ideas might even become a beloved new tradition.
Make a point to understand one piece of media your child loves. If your attention drifts when your kid details her latest Minecraft mod, refocus and listen. Whether it's a trending YouTuber, a fresh app, a game, or a popular meme, it matters in their universe. The fact that they're sharing it with you is a good sign—it means they value your opinion. Knowing a bit about what excites them can spark conversations, guide better media choices, and make management easier (though you don't have to tell them that).
Pick one evening each week to watch YouTube videos together. More and more, kids get their entertainment, news, and pop culture from YouTube. And half the posts in our social feeds are videos. Spend half an hour enjoying something silly, educational, or thought-provoking that caught your eye. (Check our YouTube reviews for inspiration.) YouTube offers plenty of great clips… and plenty of questionable ones. Showing your selections nudges kids toward the kind of content you prefer. Watching theirs gives you insight into their YouTube world.
Tackle the single most frustrating aspect of your child's media/tech use. What didn't work last year? Do you need clearer rules or stricter limits? Should you set up a charging station outside the bedroom at night? Stop TV before school? Improve your child's response time to your texts? Explore the American Academy of Pediatrics' Family Media Use Plan worksheets to pinpoint trouble spots and find solutions. Make a New Year's resolution to resolve a persistent issue that creates tension between you and your child.
Set an example by turning off your phone at a fixed time each evening. Announce when you power down your devices. Your kids might roll their eyes, but it sends a powerful message: you can establish boundaries—and stick to them.
Give the device-free dinner a fresh twist. If you already reserve certain nights as screen-free, pat yourself on the back. Now take it further with activities that foster closeness and conversation. Some ideas: choose a word of the day, play "two truths and a lie," or discuss what you'd do if you won the lottery. Leave school, work, and chores for after dinner.
Launch a book club with your kids. Keeping your children reading is crucial. Strong readers excel in all school subjects. They also learn to focus for extended periods—an essential skill in an age of bite-sized information. Reading together lets you discuss plot, characters, and themes that apply to life. There's no shortage of book suggestions. You can dive into a series, whether you have young kids, tweens, or teens. Or introduce them to classic English literature. Focus on one topic—like "What did you like best about the book?"—and use conversation starters from our book reviews or discussion guides in the book or online.
