I’m as guilty as the next parent who hands their child a phone or tablet. Whether it’s to get a few minutes to yourself, be a distraction to break up what feels like a never ending sibling fight, to put an end to the “Mom, I’m Bored,” complaints, or so you can simply get things done around the house..make dinner without any interruptions. It can be nice. But it also has its consequences. Meltdowns, addiction, preferring the screen as opposed to regular childhood activities like playing outside. It definitely has its drawbacks.
Aging myself here but growing up we didn’t have screen time to entertain ourselves if we were bored. That’s where our imaginations came in. And how much fun did we have?! Making up games with the neighborhood kids, riding our bikes, playing card and board games, building forts outside, playing dress up, so many things that today’s kids may never do because they’re consumed by a virtual world.
I want my kids to look back and have a childhood filled with fun and happy memories. I don’t want them to look back and only remember mindlessly staring at a screen. If I’m being honest this summer has been tough with that. Establishing a routine that works with both summer fun and all of the daily chores has been a challenge. Trying to maintain the house from NOT looking like a train wreck but also to ease the anxiety and stress that comes with managing the clutter. It’s tough. So, I’ve handed them a tablet more times that I’d like this summer. Granted it’s usually just for an hour, but I’ve come to realize that hour can make or break our day. The overstimulation from these screens is just not healthy for my kids, so we stopped. COLD TURKEY.
I was a little nervous putting an abrupt end to it, but it’s turned out to be the best thing ever. For them and for me. Their creativity has flourished, they’re finally playing with ALL the toys we have that hardly ever get used, we’re outside even more than usual, and we’ve picked up a couple new mom and me hobbies. We’re going on week 2 of no screens, so I thought I’d share a few of the activities the kids have picked up that have them not even thinking about those little gadgets.
Getting Creative
My kids LOVE to build. It can be sticks, paper taped together, legos, cardboard, you name it if they can build something out of it that’s what they’re going to do. So, naturally this has been a big one when it comes to what they want to do when mom’s cooking, cleaning or working out. Here’s a little list of some of their latest projects.
- Legos. We are a Lego family these days. Superhero legos, pirate ship legos, cars, dinosaurs, it’s a lot. But they love it and it really brings out their creative and strategical thinking sides.
- Forts. Pillow & blanket forts (sometimes to build the legos in!), cardboard box forts, or outside stick forts. These kids love their forts. And I love it because it’s been teaching them patience, problem solving, and team work. TIP – Save some of your bigger delivery boxes. These are awesome for decorating, making into a fort, boat, whatever your kid wants to imagine!
- Drawing. This has always been a big one in our home, even with the screen time they’ve always LOVED to draw. TIP – if you visit your local dollar store you can get drawing pads and crayons/markers for a great price. There was a time I was going weekly because they’d fill up their booklets so fast.
- Clay & Play Doh. Like the drawing this is awesome for allowing them to get creative and make something out of nothing. You don’t have to have all the fancy cutters or themed kits either. Find yourself some cups, spoons, bowls, even some of their own action figures and they will find a way to turn it into something super cool.
- Baking. This is a new mom and me hobby that I am just LOVING. I’m learning with them, we’re spending more one on one time together, enjoying delicious, homemade food, and they’re learning the basics of cooking. I love it. So far we’ve made sandwich bread, dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip cookies. Next up, sourdough!
- Playing outside. Just simply playing. Not only is being outside in the sunshine GOOD for our kids (and us too!) but there’s SO much they can do. Ride bikes, play tag, dig for bugs, help with yard work, play basketball, gardening, play on the playground..the options are pretty endless. Thankfully my kids have always loved being outside so it’s not a hassle getting them out the door for some play time.
It’s tough to give up screen time. Sometimes I’ll find myself mindlessly scrolling through my phone and I’ll have to stop and ask myself, what am I doing? Why am I on this right now? It’s a habit. And we’ve become so dependent on it because it’s convenient, and it feels like our entire lives are on it. Maybe they are. Some days I wish we could go back to our flip phones and personalized ring tones. But things are different now, and I think it’s important than we are mindful of what our kids are being exposed to, how they’re spending their time and if we’re also allowing these phones or tablets to prevent us from being present with our family and in our lives. It’s not easy! I struggle daily with it but if this is something that’s been on your heart and mind too there are habits we can do to shift that and lead a more present and productive life.
What new activities will the kids come up with next?! Stay tuned.. I’ll be sure to share all of the other new hobbies, activities and ideas we come up with as we continue on with this screen time detox.
