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)

• Using board games to build strategic and social skills

• Encouraging real-world interviews and community connections

• Taking advantage of local library programs and resources

4. The Power of Storytelling (Off-Screen Learning)

• Using storytelling cards and story dice

• Incorporating persuasive speaking games like Snake Oil

• Leveraging graphic novels for deeper engagement

• Connecting storytelling to other subjects (science, history, financial literacy)

• Creative language-learning strategies like storyboarding from screenshots

Melissa shares practical examples from her own homeschool routine and emphasizes that the goal is not to eliminate technology, but to use it thoughtfully and avoid burnout.

Where to find Melissa