Summer screen time tips for families
“During the school day, parents know there is a block of time when their children won’t be on screens, so they may not feel as guilty about kids being on them in the evenings,” said Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “But during the summer, when kids are home alone, you can try to set boundaries, and sometimes they will get followed, but a lot of the time they won’t.”
One option for parents is to collaborate with other families and make plans for children to spend time together at each other’s homes, taking turns hosting them.
“Previous generations of kids could ride their bikes to someone’s house to hang out during the day, but they don’t do that anymore,” Schrick said. “Most interactions with their friends have to be organized. If you can establish a core group of families that trades off doing that, you can build a little community where the kids get intentional peer interaction.”
Schrick said the goal should be to give children safe, unstructured time during summer days — not just physically safe, but psychologically safe.
“If they’re online all day at home, that safety is an illusion,” Schrick said. “If they’re playing a game online that connects them with other people, they might start talking to someone they wouldn’t normally talk to.”
Monitor usage
“Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing and want to do on screens,” Schrick said. “Use all the parental control features available, even past the age when kids think that they shouldn’t need them anymore. Keep in mind that this is ever-evolving — just because you knew what your kid was watching last week doesn’t mean they’re still watching that.”
Schrick encouraged parents to use children’s versions of media platforms, which usually feature a code that must be entered to switch from a child’s user profile to an adult profile. She also said it is important for parents to understand that when children explore new content on their devices, “they aren’t doing it to be sneaky, break the rules, or defy you.”
“They aren’t doing this with any malice,” Schrick said. “They’re just being kids who are bored and have a whole lot of time on their hands. Unless you have made it a priority to learn how to deal with boredom without screens, that’s what they’re going to do — it’s what the culture prepares them to do.”
It’s critical for parents to stay curious about the content their children are interacting with, Schrick said, without sounding dismissive or judgmental.
“Sit down next to them and ask them, ‘What are you doing? Tell me about what you’re watching,’” Schrick said. “That can be disarming in a way where it doesn’t give them a chance to get defensive or worried, and they’ll just answer you. If you don’t understand it, ask them, ‘Help me understand what you like about this,’ and watch your tone.”
Model good screen time habits
Though parents can also be guilty of spending too much time on their devices, Schrick said it is important to model healthy screen time habits, especially when it comes to putting phones down during conversations.
“Incremental improvement is better than no improvement,” Schrick said. “Make it a point to click the screen off, put it down and make eye contact with your kid while they’re talking to you.”
Schrick said it is normal for children to push back against limits on screen use, and that parents should be prepared to answer the “why” questions children may have about those limits. If parents do discover that their child has encountered inappropriate content or engaged in unsafe behavior online, it’s important to not shy away from difficult conversations.
“Sometimes, when parents are scared of the answer, they don’t ask the question,” Schrick said. “That can be true for a lot of things, including, ‘What are you watching?’ Because if they are watching something or engaging with media that has taught them something you weren’t ready for them to know, are they going to ask you questions that you’re not ready to answer?
“This may mean you have to discipline them in some way or take the screen away and deal with the fallout,” Schrick said. “You have to have the courage to ask those questions, even when you might be nervous about the outcome.”
Prioritize connection
“The idea that you only get 18 summers with your kids can be viewed as cliché, but it’s true,” Schrick said. “You get a finite amount of time with your kids. That doesn’t mean every moment has to be magical, positive and perfect, but you’re not going to get an unlimited number of chances to connect.
“This can look like talking to each other while you’re cooking dinner or going on a walk together even though you’re tired at the end of the day,” Schrick said. “Push through annoyance or exhaustion because those are the moments your kids will remember and the things you will cherish.”
For more extension family life resources, visit the Personal and Family Well-Being page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
By Rebekah Hall
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
As summer kicks off, an extension family life specialist offers advice for parents who may be worried about children spending extra time on screens.
“During the school day, parents know there is a block of time when their children won’t be on screens, so they may not feel as guilty about kids being on them in the evenings,” said Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “But during the summer, when kids are home alone, you can try to set boundaries, and sometimes they will get followed, but a lot of the time they won’t.”
One option for parents is to collaborate with other families and make plans for children to spend time together at each other’s homes, taking turns hosting them.
“Previous generations of kids could ride their bikes to someone’s house to hang out during the day, but they don’t do that anymore,” Schrick said. “Most interactions with their friends have to be organized. If you can establish a core group of families that trades off doing that, you can build a little community where the kids get intentional peer interaction.”
Schrick said the goal should be to give children safe, unstructured time during summer days — not just physically safe, but psychologically safe.
“If they’re online all day at home, that safety is an illusion,” Schrick said. “If they’re playing a game online that connects them with other people, they might start talking to someone they wouldn’t normally talk to.”
Monitor usage
“Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing and want to do on screens,” Schrick said. “Use all the parental control features available, even past the age when kids think that they shouldn’t need them anymore. Keep in mind that this is ever-evolving — just because you knew what your kid was watching last week doesn’t mean they’re still watching that.”
Schrick encouraged parents to use children’s versions of media platforms, which usually feature a code that must be entered to switch from a child’s user profile to an adult profile. She also said it is important for parents to understand that when children explore new content on their devices, “they aren’t doing it to be sneaky, break the rules, or defy you.”
“They aren’t doing this with any malice,” Schrick said. “They’re just being kids who are bored and have a whole lot of time on their hands. Unless you have made it a priority to learn how to deal with boredom without screens, that’s what they’re going to do — it’s what the culture prepares them to do.”
It’s critical for parents to stay curious about the content their children are interacting with, Schrick said, without sounding dismissive or judgmental.
“Sit down next to them and ask them, ‘What are you doing? Tell me about what you’re watching,’” Schrick said. “That can be disarming in a way where it doesn’t give them a chance to get defensive or worried, and they’ll just answer you. If you don’t understand it, ask them, ‘Help me understand what you like about this,’ and watch your tone.”
Model good screen time habits
Though parents can also be guilty of spending too much time on their devices, Schrick said it is important to model healthy screen time habits, especially when it comes to putting phones down during conversations.
“Incremental improvement is better than no improvement,” Schrick said. “Make it a point to click the screen off, put it down and make eye contact with your kid while they’re talking to you.”
Schrick said it is normal for children to push back against limits on screen use, and that parents should be prepared to answer the “why” questions children may have about those limits. If parents do discover that their child has encountered inappropriate content or engaged in unsafe behavior online, it’s important to not shy away from difficult conversations.
“Sometimes, when parents are scared of the answer, they don’t ask the question,” Schrick said. “That can be true for a lot of things, including, ‘What are you watching?’ Because if they are watching something or engaging with media that has taught them something you weren’t ready for them to know, are they going to ask you questions that you’re not ready to answer?
“This may mean you have to discipline them in some way or take the screen away and deal with the fallout,” Schrick said. “You have to have the courage to ask those questions, even when you might be nervous about the outcome.”
Prioritize connection
“The idea that you only get 18 summers with your kids can be viewed as cliché, but it’s true,” Schrick said. “You get a finite amount of time with your kids. That doesn’t mean every moment has to be magical, positive and perfect, but you’re not going to get an unlimited number of chances to connect.
“This can look like talking to each other while you’re cooking dinner or going on a walk together even though you’re tired at the end of the day,” Schrick said. “Push through annoyance or exhaustion because those are the moments your kids will remember and the things you will cherish.”
For more extension family life resources, visit the Personal and Family Well-Being page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
Lavaca Mayor Hugh Hardgrave Will Not Seek Another Term
After nearly two decades of service as the city’s chief elected official, Lavaca Mayor Hugh Hardgrave has announced that he will not seek another term in office.
Hardgrave first took office as mayor on Jan. 1, 2007, and is currently serving his fifth and final term, which began Jan. 1, 2023, and will conclude Dec. 31, 2026. By the end of his current term, Hardgrave will have served the citizens of Lavaca for 20 years.
His decision not to seek re-election marks the end of a lengthy tenure that has seen Lavaca continue to grow while addressing infrastructure needs, supporting public services, and planning for the future of the community.
Throughout his time in office, Hardgrave has worked alongside city employees, council members, and community leaders to guide municipal operations and oversee projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. His administration has focused on maintaining city services while balancing the needs of a growing community.
Hardgrave’s leadership has spanned a period of significant change for Lavaca, as the city has experienced residential growth and continued economic development while maintaining its small-town character.
Residents and city officials alike have often described Hardgrave as a dedicated public servant who remained accessible to citizens and committed to the community he has called home for many years.
As his final term enters its closing months, Lavaca will begin looking toward its next chapter. The upcoming election will give voters the opportunity to select the city’s next mayor and determine the direction of local leadership for years to come.
While stepping away from elected office, Hardgrave leaves behind a legacy of nearly two decades of public service to the citizens of Lavaca.
Preliminary EF-1 Tornado Confirmed in Sebastian County as Flooding Impacts Scott County
SEBASTIAN COUNTY, Ark. — The National Weather Service has issued a preliminary rating of EF-1 for a tornado that touched down in Sebastian County Saturday evening as a powerful storm system swept across western Arkansas, bringing damaging winds, flooding rainfall, and widespread power outages. Preliminary reports indicate the tornado caused damage in the Excelsior area, with additional storm-related damage reported near Witcherville and south of Greenwood. Emergency officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage.
According to reports from Sebastian County Emergency Management, damage was observed in the Hendrix Road area south of Greenwood, while radar also indicated a tornadic debris signature associated with the storm. National Weather Service survey teams are expected to continue evaluating the damage path to determine final ratings and track information.
While Sebastian County dealt with tornado damage, neighboring Scott County faced a different threat as torrential rainfall led to significant flooding across multiple communities. Residents reported water covering roadways, flooding in low-lying areas, and rapidly rising creeks and drainage ditches throughout the county.
In Waldron, flooding was reported in portions of the downtown area, while several trees were brought down by the severe weather. Power outages affected parts of the city, particularly on the south and west sides. Additional flooding was reported in the Blanchard and Nella communities as heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of fatalities associated with either the tornado or flooding as emergency crews, utility workers, and first responders worked through the night responding to storm-related calls.
The storms served as a reminder of the dangers posed by both tornadoes and flash flooding. Weather officials continue to emphasize the importance of monitoring forecasts and avoiding flooded roadways. The National Weather Service regularly reminds motorists to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” noting that most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles.
Cleanup efforts are expected to continue throughout the weekend as residents assess damage, clear debris, and recover from one of the most significant severe weather events to impact the area this year.
Residents with storm damage are encouraged to document losses and report damage to local emergency management officials as assessment efforts continue.
Obituary: Chris Boyle (1975-2026)
Christopher Martin Boyle, age 51, of Booneville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2026. He was born on March 13, 1975, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Craig Hugh Boyle and Kelly Cook Boyle.
Chris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, veteran, and friend. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia. Following his military service, Chris built a distinguished career as a construction superintendent, traveling throughout the United States overseeing the construction of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Among his many accomplishments, he proudly served as the Construction Superintendent for the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His work left a lasting impact on countless communities across the nation.
A faithful member of Boles Freewill Baptist Church, Chris was deeply involved in his community. He especially enjoyed supporting the Magazine Little League, where he invested his time and encouragement into local youth. He was an avid Auburn Tigers fan who faithfully followed Auburn football and all Auburn athletics. Chris found great joy in deer hunting, spending time outdoors, caring for his beloved dogs, and maintaining a yard that reflected the pride he took in his home and family.
Above all else, Chris cherished his family. On February 20, 2021, he married the love of his life, Whitney Boyle. Together they built a loving home filled with laughter, devotion, and treasured memories.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Whitney Boyle of the home; three daughters, Kennedy Leigh, Harper, and Elyse, all of the home; one son, Cole of the home; his parents, Craig and Kelly Boyle of Springville, Alabama; his sister, Jennifer Upchurch and husband Jason of Pelham, Alabama; his brother, Jay Adams and wife Mandy Adams of Franklin, Tennessee; brother in law Clint House and wife Brenda, Dylan House and wife Larissa, sister in law Chelsea Defoor and husband Blake all of Waldron. His in laws Gary and Vicki House and Charolette Collins all of Waldron. Three beloved grandchildren, Easton, Olivia, and Bristol, who lovingly knew him as “Poppy”; his paternal grandmother, Grace Boyle of Trussville, Alabama; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Chris was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, William Boyle; his maternal grandparents, Marvin and Peggy Cook; and his father-in-law, Charles Collins.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for their love, support, and care during this difficult time.
A Memorial Celebration of Life honoring Chris’ life will be held at 1:30 P.M. Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the Atrium of the United States Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is especially fitting that Chris’ life will be celebrated in a place that held special meaning to him.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 P.M. prior to the memorial service on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the Atrium of the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Though his life was cut far too short, Chris’ legacy of service, hard work, faith, and love for family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor
Hello everyone! Hot weather in Arkansas brings out all kinds of bugs and critters. The flies are so bad, you would think I ran a roadkill station. Speaking of bugs, I have to tell this funny story on my nephew. Y’all know the one. Their youngest daughter graduated high school a few weeks ago, and he bought cards for several of her friends. He had them all ready, just not sealed, because he was going to put money in them. On the day of graduation, he gets them all out and starts putting the money in them and sealing them. He pulls one of the cards out and there is a tick inside the envelope! Can you imagine if he had sealed that up and that girl opened that card and a tick got on her? She could have gotten tick fever. Well, he comes over before we head to Nashville to bring me a card for his niece. He wanted me to give it to her. While we were on the trip, I texted him and asked, “Is there a tick inside this envelope?” I didn’t want to take an Arkansas tick all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. I didn’t ask Sophie if she found a tick in her card. I’m just hoping for the best. I’m telling you, crazy things happen to you if your last name is Wagoner, or if you’re related to or married into the family. Like I have told y’all before, if you are going anywhere with us, you better carry a rabbit’s foot in your pocket. Another curse we have is falling a lot. My niece fell so hard in Fort Smith and hurt herself so badly that she had to have her underage daughter drive her home. One of my nieces was cleaning her dorm room at college and had just mopped the floor. She went outside for something, walked back in, and fell flat on her back. The whole thing was caught on video footage at the college. I used to fall so much that every time I went to the doctor, she would ask me, “Do you drink alcohol?” I told her, “I most certainly do not.” One time she asked me if I ever get angry, and I said, “Uh, yes. I am raising my three grandchildren. We have come-to-Jesus meetings!” That really stirred her up. She went to typing real fast. I’m sure she thinks I’m crazy, but that’s okay. I love every one of my big, crazy family. Hug your loved ones and always tell them you love them.
I have so many stories in my archives, I will tell more the next time we meet. This week’s recipe is a good dip recipe. You can make it for the Fourth of July. Have a blessed week!
CROCK POT CREAM CHEESE TACO DIP1 lb. ground beef2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese1 16 oz. package of Velvetta1 16 oz. jar of salsa1 jalapeno, minced1 packet of taco mixCook the ground beef until browned and drain excess fat. Add the beef to your crockpot, top with the cream cheese (cubed), Velvetta (cubed), salsa, jalapenos and taco seasoning. Stir everything until combined. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring twice during cooking. Once fully melted, give a final stir and get your chips out. Enjoy!
Extension expert offers tips for family budget conversations, rethinking summer vacations
With higher fuel and food costs, many families may be feeling stressed by vacation plans this summer.
“There is a broad pressure to do something special during the summer, and it can be overwhelming,” said Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “People who are in middle- and high-income areas, school districts, communities or jobs are going to feel more of that pressure.”
Schrick said parents who spend a lot of time on social media are also subject to extra pressure.
“Research shows that people who are high-volume users of social media tend to have more of this social comparison mentality and tend to be less content with their own lives and less confident in what they can bring to the table,” Schrick said. “They tend to think more about what they don’t have, as opposed to what they do have. Social media can make this worse.”
Rising travel costs
With high gas prices and increased food costs, what was once an affordable trip has become unfeasible for many families. According to the Travel Price Index, travel prices in April 2026 rose at more than twice the rate of overall inflation, with motor fuel prices rising 29.1 percent year over year and airline fares rising 20.7 percent compared with April of last year.
“Doing a road trip used to be a cost-effective alternative for going somewhere far, or with a large family,” Schrick said. “You could drive for the cost of one or two plane tickets. Now, the cost of driving is potentially going to limit people from going.”
Schrick said that missing out on vacation can be “disappointing and frustrating,” and that it can be tempting to take on additional debt.
“It can feel really heavy, especially for parents who already may be struggling to meet regular needs, like feeding their family and making sure their kids have appropriate clothes to wear,” she said.
Have honest, age-appropriate conversations
When it comes to speaking with children about family budget limits or changing plans, Schrick said the way parents frame the conversation is key.
“If the parents focus on what they can’t afford or make a big deal about not being able to do something — rather than emphasizing what they are able to do — then kids are going to act that way, too,” Schrick said.
For younger children, Schrick said it is okay to share that a planned trip is going to cost more than anticipated, but she suggested parents follow up with excitement about alternative possibilities. This could include camping, visiting Arkansas’ state parks, spending time at a local body of water or finding every playground in the county.
“Try to make it something that would be an activity that your kid would still want to do and talk it up as being exciting, without having to come up with some elaborate reason why you’re not going,” Schrick said. “You don’t have to focus on the disappointment part. And if you put on the excitement for your child, you’ll probably start to get excited, too. You can frame almost anything as an adventure.”
With older kids, Schrick said honesty — within reason — can be the best policy.
“You don’t have to overwhelm them or tell them anything that makes it feel like they’re taking on a burden, but being honest with them about what things cost can actually be really helpful,” Schrick said. “For a lot of kids, when they see those raw numbers, they’re going to be blown away, especially teenagers who have a job or have had to buy things on their own.
“Kids are smart,” Schrick said. “If they have some experience with how money works, they will be understanding. It doesn’t mean they won’t be disappointed, but they won’t be confused, either.”
A lesson on limits
It is natural for parents to feel guilty, either for forgoing a trip to avoid financial strain or for taking on the additional financial burden of a vacation.
“It is a juggling act that is unwinnable,” Schrick said. “You must decide for your family what sacrifices you are willing to make. Are you willing to have your kids be disappointed for a little while, but then not be in a worse financial situation? Or are you going to consciously make the choice of taking on additional debt?”
“If you do decide to do this, make sure it is an active choice,” she said. “Don’t just do it because it’s something you think you’re supposed to do.”
Having appropriate conversations about financial limits can teach children about a family’s priorities. For example, if a family prioritizes the cost of a child’s year-round activities, such as sports, it can help to explain how that choice impacts the ability to pay for a summer vacation.
“When families pull back the curtain just a little bit — without burdening a child — they’re helping their kid understand that money is not limitless, that choices have to be made and those choices have consequences,” Schrick said.
For more extension family life resources, visit the Personal and Family Well-being page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.