Cuddles and confidences with Marie Custeau: interview for the 5@8 Screen-Free Challenge

How many hours a day do you spend on screens? Workdays: 7 to 9 hours Weekend days: 1 hour max, I'm really trying to disconnect (in every sense of the word!)   What habit have you lost because of (or thanks to) technology? I find it easier to send quick love to the people I care about – when we think of them, a little text is so quickly sent (but then... see the answer below for the dichotomy of it all lol..!)   What's the one app you can't do without on your cell phone? Headspace: a meditation app. Is it the time spent on screens that stresses me out so much that I have to meditate every day with my app on my screen? Irony! ;)   Which app should you delete? Probably Instagram, but because of my job, I unfortunately can't really...!   Is it hard to manage your own screen time? When I was approached to take part in this campaign, I was delighted because it's a subject close to my heart that I think about almost every day. I read a lot on the subject because, for one thing, I have kids who are consumed by the urge to “play more video games” and, what's more, I find it crazy to see the “phone addicts,” as my son calls them, walking around town with their eyes glued to their screens. Far from the present moment. I know that screen addiction is harmful and anxiety-inducing (especially for little developing brains!)... I figure that, like food, we have to consume wisely and treat ourselves sometimes; it's a matter of personal discipline, really. As for the answer to the question (lol), it's honestly getting less and less difficult for all the reasons above and because I recently hit my limit; I'm sick of dragging my phone everywhere. I try to have a sensible “hygiene”: not being on my cell for no reason when the kids are around. Setting it aside as much as possible outside work hours, etc.   Do you have a screen rule at home? Yes, rather strict… For the kids, zero screens during the week and 30 minutes of video games each weekend day, plus a bit of TV here and there. I'm happy because it pays off: one of my boys loves to read and draws a lot, and my kids tend to be able to play on their own without complaining too much that they're bored. We don't have a video game console.   Are you more airplane mode or FOMO (fear of missing out)? There was a time when I was FOMO, but over time I realized it was bringing me more anxiety than anything else! I feel no stress leaving my phone far away in the evening or on weekends. Or not answering texts and emails fast enough..! (Sorry, family and friends, I adore you anyway xx)  

Rapid-fire round:

  Your favourite board game? Right now: UNO   Your favourite children's book? “Je suis terrible” by Élise Gravel   Your favourite app for little ones? Hmm, let's say the Toca Boca game apps   Your favourite family outing? I don't know which to choose: a hike or breakfast at a restaurant   The toy that can captivate your kids for hours? It's been a long time since we took it out, but moon sand was a favourite at one time!

As part of the “5@8 Screen-Free Challenge,” Marie suggests sharing cuddles and confidences through the CONFIDENCE MOMENTS activity. Download for free the printable that will let you learn more about your child, and let them learn more about you! Don't hesitate to share photos of your 5@8s on social media using #Défi5a8sansécrans