Labor Day Tech Break: Your Family's 2-Hour Digital Detox Plan

Happy Monday!

Confession: I glance at my phone during dinner. Every night. Not proud of it.

This Labor Day weekend, we tried something different. A two-hour tech break during our family cookout—phones in a basket, smart speakers unplugged, tablets locked away. Just us, some burgers, and actual conversation.

My 7-year-old's reaction? "Dad, you're looking at my FACE!" Ouch. Talk about perspective.

TRENDING IN THE DIGITAL PARENTING WORLD:

• A recent Oxford University study blocked 327 participants' mobile internet access for two weeks—91% reported improvements to mental health, attention and overall well-being. [Source: academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/2/pgaf017/8016017]

• Smartphone users reach for their phones an average of 205 times daily (once every five minutes)—for millennials, that jumps to 324 times daily. No wonder we feel scattered. [Source: reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction]

• The "dumbphone" movement is gaining traction in 2025, with many users reporting clearer minds, reduced anxiety, and more authentic social connections after downgrading from smartphones. [Source: huffpost.com/entry/people-are-downgrading-their-smartphones-for-less-screen-time]

THIS WEEK'S POWER MOVE:

Time-boxing your screen use works better than vague "less screen time" goals. Try this Labor Day: Set a specific tech-free block (2 hours works great) where phones go in a basket. Make it non-negotiable, like we did.

Our setup: One designated photographer allowed a few quick pics, then the phone went back in the basket. Result? We actually played cornhole without someone checking email between tosses. My 2-year-old noticed butterflies I would've missed while scrolling.

The magic happens in those empty spaces. When no one's thumbs are tapping, conversations flow. My daughters asked questions about my childhood Labor Days. Wild, right?

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LABOR DAY TECH BALANCE BONUS:

Want to try a tech break but worried about boredom? Before your break, use Focus Friend—a cute productivity app climbing the charts. Your phone gets taken over by a bean character who knits while you stay off your device. My girls named our bean "Elsa" (shocking, I know). The bean gets sad when you interrupt its knitting. Powerful stuff for both kids and adults.

🎤 GET READY FOR YOUR BEST YEAR YET

Can you believe we're only four months away from 2026? The Goal Achievers Summit in Orlando (Dec 29-30) is coming up fast, and tickets are going faster.

Here's why this matters for your family: I've got my girls coming with me to Orlando. We're turning this into our year-end family trip—summit during the day, Disney fireworks at night. Perfect way to reset and plan as a family.

Right now, tickets for my network are just $100 (they jump to $697 soon). You'll learn from 40 incredible speakers, network with like-minded professionals, and join Master Mind groups that keep you accountable all year. My favorite part? The accountability partners who won't let you quit on your goals when February motivation fades.

What makes this different from every other conference? You're not just getting pumped up for a weekend—you're building your support system for the entire year. That's why I'm bringing my family—to show them what commitment to growth looks like.

🔗 Grab your ticket now: Secure Your $100 Spot

JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

How would your family handle a two-hour tech break? Any disasters? Surprising wins? Join our "AI-Powered Super Parents" Facebook group to share your experiences.

Until next week,

Warren S.

P.S. Anna and Elsa (our cats, not Disney princesses) send their regards. They appreciated the extra pets during our tech break too.