Weekend Digital Detox Checklist
Prepare ahead, structure lightly, expect the wobble, then lock in what worked
Before (ideally several days ahead)
- Family chat: purpose, what is off-limits, what stays (e.g. work phone / emergency)
- Agree start time (often Friday evening after dinner) and end time (Sunday afternoon)
- List screen-free activities for each day (outdoors, cooking, games, visiting, crafts)
- Prep boredom-busters and materials so alternatives are easy to reach
- Decide charging / parking spot for devices (drawer or family charging station)
- Arrange non-digital backups for navigation, alarms, shopping lists, entertainment
- Tell trusted contacts you’ll be slower to reply; share an emergency plan
- Optional: print this page and put the agreement on the fridge
During the weekend
- Park devices out of sight; use one shared “essentials” device only if needed
- Friday evening: family meal + board game, reading aloud, or walk
- Keep structure light: planned blocks + free time (avoid over-scheduling)
- Include movement, creative play, and real conversation every day
- When restlessness hits: name it (“this is the wobble”), offer a backup activity
- Parents model the same boundaries; narrate choices out loud
- Jot 1-2 observations (mood, connection, surprises)
- Celebrate small wins mid-weekend (“we cooked without tablets!”)
After: lock in the gains
- Sunday afternoon: short family debrief: what felt good / hard / surprising
- Note communication changes and any habits worth keeping on weekdays
- Choose 1-2 durable rules to lock in (e.g. charging station, device-free meals)
- Update the Family Media Agreement and set a review date
- Plan the next light reset (monthly weekend morning, or holiday approach)
- Thank everyone: progress over perfection