Holiday Rules of Engagement in a Digital World: Focus on the 4 Fs

(BPT) – Parents, does this scenario sound familiar? You’ve worked for hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful holiday meal. You finally sit down to enjoy it … only to have your kids (and maybe some adults) engrossed in their smartphones. It’s not exactly the heartwarming holiday scene you were hoping for.The reality is, connected devices have changed the very fabric of our society and are an indelible part of our lives. But here’s the important factor to remember: The true power of a smartphone is its ability to connect, not disconnect. To engage, not disengage. Put us in touch, not out of touch. But only if it’s used with purpose. And most caregivers agree that it’s important to unplug now and then.That’s why Verizon created the Holiday Rules of Engagement or the 4 Fs. The concept is simple. Consider limiting phone usage during your holiday gatherings to four meaningful categories: Food, Friends, Family and Football. And then unplug and enjoy the day with the people you love.Here’s how.FoodYour smartphone is handy in the kitchen when you’re searching for new recipes or traditional favorites. But, the real magic comes from the fun you and your kids can have with your phone during meal prep. Encourage kids to help with cooking and document their culinary adventures. They can make videos of themselves learning new skills or sharing your favorite cooking tips. Even better, get Grandma involved and record her sharing family recipes and traditions. Once the meal is ready, take a quick photo of the spread and then agree to put the phone away until dessert.FriendsFocus on the smartphone as a connection to friends. A fun activity for you and your kids is to create videos of the holiday bustle to send to those who can’t be there in person. Live video chats can make it seem like the miles melt away, connecting people near and far. Gather everyone around the fireplace and do a video call with your best friend who can’t be with you for the holidays. It will make her day, guaranteed.FamilyThat same connection across the miles goes for family, too. While the busiest travel time of the year is always around Thanksgiving, less than half of all Americans travel for the holiday. That means lots of families are apart. If that sounds like yours, have your kids help you create videos of your holiday activities to share with family members who couldn’t make it. Considering having a child act as “moderator,” taking the phone around to let everyone participate. Technology can help bridge the distance and make everyone feel more connected.FootballIn some families, the holidays mean food and football. If you’ve got a football family, use your phone to keep up with your fantasy leagues, check scores and statistics, settle some arguments about who is the best quarterback of all time, then set it aside to enjoy the game with family and friends. And after the game is over, take the family outside to throw the football around. Added bonus: you’ll work off some of those calories.Follow these 4 Fs and make it easier for kids to put the devices down and enjoy some screen-free time with the family. Remind them that the internet, social media and all their friends will still be there when they’re ready to plug back in.To learn more about navigating technology in your family’s daily life, check out Verizon Family.