Houston – Summer break is here and for many families, that means navigating the delicate balance of keeping kids active, limiting screen time, and preserving a bit of peace on both ends. Healthcare entrepreneur and mom Chantell Preston joined Houston Life co-host Tessa Barrera with some realistic advice to help families thrive during the long summer months. Her biggest takeaway? Structure and communication just like they are in school. Preston says these two elements are key, but they don’t have to be complicated or costly.
“Kids actually crave structure, even if they don’t admit it,”
Creating a plan together as a family whether that includes summer camps, library days, or at-home fashion shows, helps set clear expectations and keeps everyone on the same page. She encourages parents to involve kids in the planning process by offering choices: “If you force a kid to do something they’re not into, they’ll check out.” She adds that if they have a say, they’re much more likely to stay engaged. Chantell also reminds parents that not every enriching activity needs to come with a price tag. Free museum days, DIY dance parties, and simply reading together can go a long way. When it comes to technology, where everything you could need is at your fingertips, she admits,
Screenss aren’t going anywhere,“
Preston adds that ”the goal isn’t to ban them but to create device-free moments as a family." Even one consistent game night or tech-free dinner a week can become a game-changer.
Her final tip: Be the role model. “If we want our kids off their screens, we have to show them we’re willing to unplug too.”