In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy for parents and children alike to get swept away by screens. Between smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and social media, families often find themselves sharing space—but not real connection. At Behaved Brain Wellness Center, we work with families in Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, and throughout Bergen County, NJ to help rebuild relationships impacted by digital overload. Through family therapy and real-world strategies, we help parents and children reconnect—and stay connected.
Why Tech Overload Is So Common (and So Sneaky)
The digital age has brought enormous benefits—access to information, communication, education, and entertainment. But it’s also brought:
- Constant distractions
- Decreased family communication
- Emotional dysregulation in children
- Delayed social and emotional development
- Sleep issues
- Increased anxiety and irritability
The average child or teen in the U.S. spends 7–9 hours per day on screens, excluding schoolwork. Many parents are using screens to manage behavior, fill time, or simply keep up with busy schedules. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.
The Impact of Screen Time on Children’s Brains
Research shows that too much screen exposure can negatively impact:
- Attention span
- Emotional regulation
- Sleep quality
- Executive functioning
- Social-emotional learning
Children with excessive screen time are also more likely to experience behavioral challenges, mood swings, anxiety, and withdrawal from family life. Through therapy, we help families understand how screen time affects brain development—and how to restore balance.
Signs Your Family May Be Struggling with Tech Overload
- Your child becomes irritable or anxious when screen time ends
- Mealtimes are often interrupted by phones or tablets
- You notice fewer face-to-face conversations in your home
- Your child’s mood seems linked to online activity
- You feel disconnected, even when everyone’s in the same room
How Family Therapy Can Help
At Behaved Brain Wellness Center, our family therapy services support parents and children in building healthier habits around technology—and stronger relationships offline.
We offer:
- Communication skill-building to foster open, honest, screen-free connection
- Collaborative rule-setting to reduce conflict and increase buy-in
- Emotional coaching for children struggling with self-regulation
- Behavioral strategies for managing tech transitions
- Family-centered solutions that reflect your lifestyle and values
Therapy isn’t about eliminating screens—it’s about using them more intentionally and rebuilding trust, fun, and connection at home.
6 Therapist-Recommended Tips to Reduce Screen Time and Reconnect
- Create “No Tech” Zones
Make the dinner table, bedrooms, and car rides screen-free. These are great times to talk, reflect, and bond. - Set Consistent Boundaries
Have a clear and consistent daily screen time limit. Use parental controls to help enforce it, but involve your child in setting the rules. - Model Healthy Use
Children mimic adult behavior. Put your phone away during family time and prioritize presence over notifications. - Schedule Family Time
Add shared, tech-free activities to your weekly calendar—game nights, nature walks, cooking together, or story time. - Use Transitions Wisely
Give kids a 5 to 10-minute warning before screen time ends. Use a visual timer or calming music to make the transition smoother. - Talk About Digital Life
Ask your child what they like about their games or shows. Be curious—not judgmental—so they feel safe talking about their online world.
Local Support for Families in the Digital Age
Our team works with families throughout Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Ridgewood, and Bergen County, NJ who are navigating the challenges of parenting in a screen-saturated society. We understand how overwhelming it can feel—and we’re here to help you take back your connection.
Real-Life Story: The “Evening Reset”
One local family came to us struggling with evening chaos. The kids were glued to their iPads, the parents were working late on laptops, and no one spoke much at dinner. Through family therapy, they built a 30-minute “Evening Reset” routine: no screens, soft music, shared dinner, and a walk afterward.
After just a few weeks, the home felt calmer. The children began opening up about school. Even the parents felt more relaxed and connected.
It wasn’t about perfection. It was about intention.
We Help Families Reconnect
At Behaved Brain Wellness Center, we believe that healing starts in the home. Through family therapy, we help parents and children build better routines, better communication, and stronger emotional bonds—even in the age of iPhones and Instagram.
Let’s Find Balance Together
If you’re noticing signs of tech overload in your family—or if you just want to feel more connected to your kids—we’re here for you. Contact our office, which specializes in family therapy in Ho-Ho-Kus or Midland Park, NJ to schedule a free consultation, or email us at wellness@behavedbrain.com, and learn more about family therapy.
