T ried - and -T rue M ethods to B reak Y our K ids ’ S creen A ddiction
Lay down the law. Once you decide on time limits, implement them ruthlessly. You can set most tablets to automatically turn off after they’ve been viewed for a set amount of time each day. Once time is up, it’s up — and using someone else’s tablet is unallowed. Furthermore, ask questions about what your kids are viewing and playing and use strict parental controls to ensure they only access age-appropriate content. Create screen-free zones. Specific times and places should always be off-limits for screens. A prevalent rule involves no screens and food together; eating should be mindful, and dinner should be family time. Experts also recommend no devices for one hour before bed. You might also consider requiring your kids to look away from screens and make eye contact while talking to someone. Other decrees could include tablets not leaving the car once you arrive at a destination or no devices while guests visit. Be a good role model. Yes, you’re the parent, and no one can tell you how much time to spend on your phone. But children quickly adopt what they see. When the adults around them are always glued to different electronic devices, it makes the habit seem even more attractive. Reducing screen time will benefit your health and ability to connect with your family. Limiting your use in front of your kids specifically will show them you practice what you preach.
Every parent knows they should limit their
children’s screen time, but accomplishing it is far easier said than done. Kids love their devices as much as adults and would happily spend hours glued to their electronics if we let them. Fortunately, we’ve discovered some tried-and- true methods for parents to prevent bad habits.
Establish time limits. Every parent must determine the right amount of screen time for their kids, but it helps to know what experts recommend. The American Academy of Pediatrics says screen time should be strictly limited to video calls for children under 18 months, children 18 to 24 months should only watch high-quality programming with an adult, and kids aged 2 to 5 should watch no more than one hour daily. After that, the science gets a bit fuzzier, but most experts agree that less is best.
A ttorney J essy D evins O ffers E mpathy and E mpowerment
Jessy Devins traces her law career back to how she was raised. “I’m a child of Mexican immigrants,” she says, “and my parents always instilled the value of education and work ethic in me.” Since she believed in education, she considered becoming an English teacher, but a literature instructor suggested a different path. “I loved reading,” Jessy says, “and at the core of law is reading comprehension and being a people person.” While she hadn’t considered a career in law before, “the more I looked into it, the more I loved it,” she remembers. “I felt my skills fit really well — and all parents are proud to say their kid is a lawyer!” After passing the bar in 2021, Jessy began working at a corporate firm but “felt detached from people.” She decided to pivot to family law in 2023. “I love being able to help people through such a monumental change in their lives and explaining the law to them when they’re so lost,” she says. “I can’t fix everything for them, but I can at least help them understand what’s going on and give them a better idea of what will happen.”
Jasper and a cat named Toast. As an area native and Spanish speaker, she particularly enjoys assisting members of the local Latino community. “One thing I love about The Manely Firm is how diverse we are,” she says. “I jumped at the chance to help in this area. It’s very personal to me, and this firm is a great place to turn if someone has a language or cultural barrier.” She also notes the supportive staff at the office. “I really enjoy how much mentorship and training The Manely Firm invests in their attorneys,” she says. “They’re always available for questions, and every attorney, paralegal, receptionist, and client care coordinator has been nothing but friendly, warm, and inviting.” But her favorite part of this work is connecting with her clients. “I always tell people in consultations, ‘You are not alone. I know you feel alone, but you’re not,’” she says. Getting to the end of a case is a particular reward. “I enjoy shaking someone’s hand, sending them a closing letter, and saying this is over. It’s such a relief to move forward,” she adds, “and I’ve always wanted to help people.”
Jessy was born and raised in Gwinnett, and she and her husband live in Lilburn with a dog named
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