If this past pandemic year has left you feeling more concerned than ever about screen time in your household, rest assured you’re not alone. But here's the good news: it's never too late to start building healthy habits. Here are four simple (yet powerful!) ideas to help you to start building an approach that works for your family.

Everyone you know has a phone number that you can call anytime. Everyone except your youngest, most vulnerable family members -- your kids.

It is a sign of our digitally connected times that not being connected feels unusual. If your friend or your spouse doesn’t answer your calls, you begin to worry. But many families do not give their kids phones because of the myriad dangers that come from being over-connected too young.

A top concern for parents and school officials is how kids will cope with the new rules, which would be stressful for anyone, let alone kids who have already lived through a year of incredible confusion. “Kids who normally have a little trouble separating from mom and dad will see their anxiety peak during times of stress or transition,” says Rachel Busman, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute.