Smartphones, tablets, and portable screens are ubiquitous in modern America. Too often, kids sit stationary with their eyes glued to their smartphones rather than taking the occasional break to play outside in the beautiful summer sunshine.
How do we give our children entertainment and fun without a screen? It might sound impossible, given a national obsession with screens that's lasted more than 70 years.
Spending time in front of a screen is an activity that most of us grew up with and have continued to do as adults. The 1950s brought televisions, the 1970s brought computers, and the 2000s brought smartphones.
As far back as 1949, Americans watched an astounding 4 hours and 35 minutes of television a day. Yet, kids played outside regularly and had no options for screen time other than the occasional movie in the theaters.
Today, on the other hand, it's not just the television and the computer. It's also the tiny screens that everyone stares out for so many hours each day. How do we keep kids off screens this summer? Is it possible to enjoy a screen-free summer?
Option One: Get Everyone Off Their Screens
Why stop with the kids when it comes to healthy outdoor activities? If the kids are outside soaking up that valuable vitamin D and sunshine, shouldn't you be outside playing, too? Try to join the kids and be "present" for their playtime whenever you have a moment.
Avoid sending them outside and telling them to get off their screens when you're also looking at a screen. Although work might get in the way of your ability to tear yourself from your computer screen, try to avoid using your screen for leisure activities and join the kids outside instead when you can.
Option Two: Find Fun, New, & Extra Adventures
Kids will wear you out, and sometimes you just want to calm them down with a screen. However, you might get kids to give up their screens voluntarily when you offer some alternatives. Young children are particularly receptive to other options, especially when their parents offer to join in the fun.
If there's a neighborhood pool nearby, get everyone in their bathing suits for an afternoon. If you live near a park or a place with jungle gyms and swing sets, devote a few hours in the afternoon to wearing everyone out at the playground. Mix it up and try something new as often as you can.
Option Three: Make it a Contest
You might find that your children have a competitive streak, especially when you ask them to participate in a contest. Ask them who can wait the longest before using their screen. They'll appreciate it if you join in the competition, too, and they'll probably love it if you lose on purpose.
You can make the game even more challenging by unplugging from absolutely everything. That means televisions, computers, smartphones, and anything else with a screen. Try to go an entire day without booting up. You might find your family's new, favorite, electronics-free activity in the process.