In the modern age, it seems like everywhere you turn there’s another screen. From smartphones to tablets, laptops to TVs, our kids are constantly bombarded with digital distractions. How do you find activities to help your kids to unplug?
In my previous article, “How Do I Get My Kid to Unplug From Technology?” I described the process I use to get kids to unplug from their technology. They can go “screen-free” for a portion of their day.
Here, we will look at a few healthy and engaging activities that will help pry the devices from their hands. And hopefully, keep them interested and engaged for hours.
Choosing an Activity: a Quick Review
In my experience an activity that meets most or all of the following criteria will work:
1) It is self-paced, and not driven by a strong social pressure to achieve.
2) It is goal-oriented and has many opportunities to see progress.
3) It has a social component.
4) It’s fun.
What are some activities that fit this bill?
Since every child is different, we are unlikely to find an option that suits everyone, every time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment.
And of course, involve your child in the decision. This process will go a lot smoother, and work more reliably if you have their buy-in.
A few activities to consider:
1) Rock Climbing
As a long-time climber and coach, I can’t say enough about how incredible this activity is. It builds strength, confidence, balance, and responsibility. What’s more, it ticks all the boxes for an activity to draw kids away from their screens. It’s an activity that will challenge both mind and body.
And, of course, it’s really fun!
Climbing uniquely blends mental and physical puzzles. It combines them with a natural social environment, to create one of the most engaging activities you could ask for.
Climbing also allows kids to solve problems in their own way and on their own time. It also provides a motivational boost and builds self-confidence.
As a result, I have found that I can get kids to put down their phones, and forget they are there, for hours or longer just by pointing them at a climb and saying, have at it!
However, that doesn’t mean climbing is your only option (though, in my opinion, it is one of the best!)
Here are a few more options that I have found work well for getting your kids to disconnect.
2) Outdoor Games
Certainly, going out and playing a game of one-on-one basketball or two-on-two soccer is a great option for many kids. But games of Tag or Assassin, Capture the Flag, or Kick the Can tick all the boxes on our list, as well.
When my climbing team is on a rest day, we’ve organized such games that last for hours without one kid picking up their phone.
3) Indoor Games
Board games are making a big comeback and for obvious reasons. While they may lack the physical benefits of running around outside, climbing, or playing sports, they tick all the boxes for replacing the habit of staying plugged in.
Good games involve problem-solving, achieving goals, strategy, and rewards. And they are social.
Card games work too. On our climbing team trips, when the weather or lack of daylight prevents a good game of Capture the Flag, I find my team kids love playing anything from Go Fish to Apples to Apples to pass the time.
4) Artistic Projects
Before I found rock climbing as a teenager, one of the surest ways to get me to put down my video game controller was to get me on my drum set.
Music gave me the very same intrinsic satisfaction as gaming. I learned new patterns and played along to songs in my headphones trying to mimic my favorite drummer. I also played with other people (for the social value that only teamwork would bring).
Eventually, I learned multiple instruments, started writing my own songs and played in multiple bands. It was some of the best time I spent on any activity.
And, of course, music isn’t the only artistic activity that has these traits.
Painting, photography, drawing, writing, and even modern art forms like 3-D modeling or programming all have tremendous benefits for young people. Both in terms of keeping their interest and providing meaningful satisfaction. And they also develop extremely useful skills.
And, of course, creating is fun!
5) Build Something
6) A Walk in the Woods
Kid love the outdoors
Now that I have a son of my own, my wife and I have taken the same approach. We get him outside nearly every day for several hours, even if it is just to walk by the stream and look at rocks. Of which he now has an extensive collection taking up an entire bookshelf!
The added benefit to this pattern is that, when he tries to throw a tantrum if we take his tablet away (depriving him of Peppa Pig or Elmo), all we need to do is carry him into the yard. We kick his favorite ball toward his favorite muddy puddle, and…tantrum over.
Seriously, it always works, like magic. It’s actually a bit spooky.
Of course, not every kid will react so dramatically to this change of scenery. But after more than 20 years of working with kids of all ages in outdoor activities, I can say that it is a rare child who finds the mysteries of exploring the forest boring. I am sure there are a few out there, but I haven’t found one yet.
Your Own Activities To Help Your Kids Unplug
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Remember that you can get creative with your own activities! As long as your kid has an activity that is goal-orientated, self-paced, social, and most importantly, fun, you can help reduce screentime and engage their minds in a different way.
