Family time is not what it used to be. You know the scene… dinner is over, homework is done and the family is gathered in the living room … lost in their own electronics. No one’s mad at each other or avoiding conversation; they are just keeping themselves busy the best way they know — by crushing candy, browsing social media and taking amazing selfies. If you are looking for some great ways to disengage the electronics and engage the family, then keep reading!

Break out the board games. Dust off that Monopoly game and clear off the coffee table! Sit around and play a game that doesn’t involve a screen and that dishes out some healthy competition. Short on time? There are plenty of games that can be played in less than a half hour.

Go outside! There are so many things you can do: go for a walk, shoot some hoops, plant a garden or just sit and take in a beautiful sunset.

Play a family video game. Electronics are not bad. It’s just that we all tune each other out when we’re on our own devices. However, nothing will bring a family together like a competitive game of Mario Kart! Pick a game that can have multiple players and battle it out! Let the more experienced players help the little ones (or older ones!), so no one feels left out.

Go for a drive. Pile into the car sans electronics and go for a drive. Go to an overlook to see the town or down a country road with the windows down. Go get an ice cream cone after dinner. Refrain from watching TV on this voyage.

For a moment, dial it back to how it used to be. When you’re done, everyone can return to electronic life and catch up on Facebook, get some homework help or upload that cute photo of the kids riding quietly in the backseat. Technology can be great – but so can some old-fashioned family time.

You have choices when it comes to purchasing your health care coverage. That’s why working with an independent insurance agency like ours is so important. We are not tied to a specific insurance company or plan and are here to help you find the best solution for you and your family.

Did you know that you don’t pay a penny more to work with an independent agency like ours? It’s true. You even have the potential to save money by working with us because we can shop around on your behalf among available plans. Our goal is to provide recommendations based on your individual circumstances so that you can make an informed decision about your health care.

Another benefit of working with us is our experience. We are experts in health insurance and can help you navigate the complex and changing coverage landscape. Questions about incentives to help you pay for your coverage? Wondering whether a high-deductible plan makes sense for your situation? Trying to determine the best solution for covering your college-age child? We are here to answer all of your questions and take the time to help you become an educated health insurance consumer.

While open enrollment doesn’t start until the fall, special circumstances such as having or adopting a baby and getting married can qualify you to purchase health insurance coverage right now. Questions? Reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help you.

You’re looking for a toy for your child’s birthday or other special occasion. Before you buy, take a few minutes to think about safety. Each year, popular toys cause hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits.

One popular purchase for children, trampolines, are so dangerous they are not covered by some types of homeowners insurance policies. Although they are extremely popular, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that trampolines should never be used unless by athletes under supervision and training for a sport such as gymnastics. A big issue for insurers is that not only can a member of your own family be injured, but so can any child who visits your home. That creates a huge liability risk. Before you purchase any size of trampoline for your family, check with your insurance agent first!

If you have small children, you’ll want to check out the CoPIRG Foundation’s ‘Trouble in Toyland 2015′ report. This guide, released each year around the holidays, is a great year-round guide that can help parents avoid toys that are known to cause injury, including those that are high in lead and other dangerous chemicals.

The World Against Toys Causing Harm organization also publishes an annual safety guide. The latest guide reminds parents to be especially careful when purchasing toys online. Always buy from reputable retailers, whether in person or online. And be especially vigilant when purchasing used toys. Each year, thousands of toys are recalled. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check for recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission makes it easy with its online tool.

The world of technology moves forward rapidly. Between video games, phones, iPods and tablets, it’s not difficult to see why the average child is spending too much time with electronic devices. Here are two strategies for keeping ‘screen time’ under control.

Time limits: Research shows that time limits can be effective if they are enforced. Restrict screen time to weekends if your kids have a heavy homework load or get easily distracted or rushed. Maybe your children do better with a break after school, and a short period of screen time is a way to decompress before diving into their home work. If your child is a reluctant worker, a screen reward after a successful homework period can be a big motivator. Just be sure to cut off technology well before bedtime so everyone can calm down from the stimulation.

Location restrictions: Many parents choose to limit the locations in the home where their kids can use technology. Studies show that children often spend more time with family if they are using electronics in a central location of the home. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents do not allow televisions, computers or video games in children’s bedrooms. The AAP also recommends that parents turn off the TV and cell phones during dinner time.

Having a variety of other options as alternatives to screen time will prevent claims of “I’m bored!” or “What can we do?” Reading and physical activity are two great ways that your family can spend time together without screens. Set individual and family goals with a plan to celebrate after goals are reached. Parent involvement — from reading and being active to following similar time limits and restrictions — will show children that you value technology for its benefits, but also know that excessive amounts are too much of a good thing.

Did you know that smiling has some significant health benefits? Numerous studies have shown that smiling helps release endorphins, which can make us feel happier and reduce stress levels.

Smiling’s effect on our mood and health is similar to exercise and good sleep. It simply makes you feel better. In one study, even making ‘faking’ a smile can reduce stress levels. Another study shows that smiling can help reduce pain.

Here are some other things about smiling that you may not know:

Smiling is contagious. Studies have shown that people tend to emulate the facial expressions of those around them. A boss who smiles, for example, may have employees who smile more.

It makes you more approachable. Scientists have discovered that people who smile are more approachable to their family and co-workers. Another great reason to turn that frown upside down!

Men smile less. Most studies on the subject have found that men smile less than women, although there is little agreement as to why.