The festive season is synonymous with heightened expectations for parents. Whether the goal is to impress your child with a simple gift or amaze them with something spectacular, tech gadgets often seem like the perfect way to fulfill their Christmas wishes. But before you go ahead, experts advise reflecting on how this new tech piece could potentially disrupt your household. For instance, a fresh gaming console might ignite disputes over usage time. A new tablet given to your preschooler could lead them to play unsuitable games. That VR headset your teen has been yearning for may replace face-to-face social interactions with their friends.

Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental pediatrician and author of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen time guidelines for children aged zero to five, suggests there are effective strategies to prevent or manage these issues. She advises scrutinizing the tech gadget you intend to gift, considering any necessary alternatives, and preparing for a discussion with your child about its usage.

“Enjoy the fun moments with your children and their joy,” Radesky suggests. “However, the design of various tech products can sometimes cause unnecessary stress for parents…” And, after all, no one wants a headache after weeks of holiday preparation and gift planning.

If you’ve already purchased a tech device for your child or intend to do so, here are five questions you should ask yourself before gifting it:

1. Is the technology well-established?
2. Is it genuinely educational?
3. Are there any safety or privacy issues?
4. Can you replace the tech with something else?
5. What conversation should you have with your child?

Radesky’s advice is not to let your child use their gift without first establishing boundaries. The discussion should focus on safeguards, such as parental control and screen time limits. Parents should accompany their child during the setup process, providing an opportunity to address any safety concerns and normalize communication about technology and devices.

Ultimately, Radesky suggests that parents should approach their child’s tech usage with curiosity and not anxiety. If your child spends hours playing a new video game, simply ask, “How did that feel?”

Finally, if you’re now reconsidering that impulse purchase of a deeply discounted product, that’s completely fine. Radesky advises that there’s no obligation to commit to the gift. “The goal should be to use this intentionally so that it doesn’t feel like you’re constantly fighting,” she concludes.

Regardless of whether you’re planning to invest or simply interested in the topic, the key takeaway is to approach tech gifts with thoughtful consideration and intentional use.