About this episode
362: Avoiding tech burnout with Melissa Muir
In this episode, Meryl is joined by Melissa Muir from Think Curio to discuss an important topic for homeschool families: avoiding tech burnout.
While both Meryl and Melissa love educational technology and use it extensively in their teaching, they recognize the need for balance. With recent studies showing that adults, teens, and even younger children are spending significant hours each day on screens, it is crucial to be intentional about how technology fits into homeschool life.
In This Episode We Discuss:
1. Modeling Healthy Tech Habits
Taking intentional breaks from screens (such as a weekly tech Sabbath)
Using app timers and boundaries
Recognizing signs of burnout in ourselves as parents
2. Scheduling with Intention
Designing a homeschool week that includes both online and offline learning
Avoiding back-to-back screen-based classes
Building in screen-free days or partial screen-free times
Being cautious about fully online homeschool models
3. Creating Non-Tech Extensions
Keeping accessible hands-on materials (Legos, puzzles, art supplies)