Spending Time Together This Holiday Season

It’s hard to believe it, but the holiday season is already upon us. This time of year is full of joy, giving, and opportunities to connect with those we love. And after the year that children and parents alike have endured, we could all use a little bit of cheer. 

At Youth Speak Out, we’ve seen first-hand how children are craving face-to-face connection with their family and friends. In our afterschool sessions, when we ask our students how many of them have felt ignored by their parents or siblings because of technology, almost every hand goes up. They all have stories to tell about parents, grandparents, siblings, or friends who were too busy on their laptops, phones, or gaming systems to notice them. 

The holiday season gives us unique opportunities to spend time together. Many people have time off of school and work, and there are plenty of community events that foster kindness and togetherness. But whether you’re going out to an event or just staying at home, there are always opportunities to connect. The most important thing is that you don’t let your technology become a distraction. 

During the pandemic, we’ve all become a bit desensitized to technology use. Working from home and virtual learning made constant technology use around the family the norm. While technology can be a tool for connection, it’s also important that families spend time together away from devices. 

However you celebrate during this wonderful time of year, the staff at Youth Speak Out wishes you a happy holiday season filled with face-to-face communication.