Screen Free Activities For The Whole Family

How To Unplug Your Family

Over the years screen time has become a normal part of our daily lives. We have our TV's on for big chunks of the day, sit on our phones, or let the kids play video games. There is a time and place for all of it, but how many hours do you spend with a screen in front of you?I challenge you to sit down for one day and track how much. You may not even realize how much it is.My biggest downfall is my phone. I may turn the TV off for the kids, but then I sit there working on my phone or scrolling through Facebook. It's nice to have a break from the chaotic day, but then reality hit me this week.My son came up to talk to me while I was on my phone. I didn't think twice about it because I was just looking through a few emails while he talked to me. Then he stormed away and I'm ashamed to say it took me a while to know he was upset.I finally noticed and went upstairs to see what he was doing. I found him pouting on his bed. I asked him what was wrong.Mom, you're not even listening to me! I was telling you something and all you cared about was your phone.It was like he punched me right in the gut. I felt terrible. The email could have waited but instead, I chose to put it first and my son felt it.As parents, we're busy all day. Whether you're at work or working in the house it gets busy. Technology has made our lives a lot easier. We have TV for entertainment, phones for pretty much everything, and so much more.The problem is that technology can get in the way of real human connection.I will be honest with all of you and admit that this isn't the first time this has happened. I have so many things on my plate and I tend to try and do it all at the same time.This year I'm challenging myself and my family to unplug.By unplugging we will be putting our relationships with each other first. I encourage you to join us! Unplugging will look different for all of us. My husband works 9-5 so during that time he has to be plugged in and that's ok. Look at your family's schedule and see where you have the ability to unplug.The kids and I try to unplug in the mornings so we can enjoy breakfast together and then do something fun. Then while they're asleep I take a bit of time to plug back in and get work done.

 

Screen Free Routines

Take a look at your daily routine and find opportunities to turn off the screens and unplug.

Enjoy Dinner Around The Dinner Table

Collect all the cell phones in the house and put them aside during dinner. This will mean your family actually has to talk during dinner and spend real quality time together.

Schedule Technology Free Times

Look at your schedule during the day and find a few blocks of time that you can schedule yourself to be "off the grid." Turn off the TV, set the phone down, and just enjoy time with your family.

Put The Phone Down When Talking To Your Kids

This is my biggest struggle. When your kids come up and talk to you make sure you put the phone down. The same goes for everyone else. Show people you value them by putting them first in that moment.

 

Screen Free Activites For The Whole Family

Family Walks

Leave the technology at home and take the family outside. You can go for a walk around your neighborhood or drive to a hiking trail. As your walking around, you’re creating a relaxed environment where your kids will feel comfortable to talk to you and it’s a great bonding opportunity. You can share what you love in the scenery and find interesting things along the walk.

Make Dinner Together

Schedule out a few times a month where the kids get to help a parent or make dinner on their own. By doing this you’re teaching your kids to make food on their own and they get to see the look on your face when you try their creations! You can make this a special mom and kids routine each week or let them jump in and come up with something delicious.

Go On A Scavenger Hunt

Find an outdoor scavenger hunt and explore with the family. You can even combine this with a family walk and find things while on a hiking trail. Make it simple and fun.

Try Something New Together

Try something new that either none of you have done before or someone wants to teach the rest of the family. You can go rock climbing, try a new cuisine, go golfing, go carting… The options are endless. It’s a great opportunity to let one of the family members take the lead and share something special with people they love.

Family Band!

Let each family member choose a song they like and print out lyrics! Does someone play an instrument? Let them lead the song! You may end up getting some Rihanna, Frozen Soundtrack, and more, but let people find family appropriate songs that they love. It will be fun to see everyone’s personalities in there songs they choose and it will end up getting sillier and seller as you go!

Board Games

Find age appropriate board games that everyone can play. A few good ones are Catch Phrase, Monopoly, Uno, Skip-Bo, Game Story, and War. There are so many options and you can do a new game each week!

Treasure Hunt

This one is great regardless of the weather! Send the kids or parents on a treasure hunt. You can leave clues around the house and have them end up in a specific place. The treasure can be letting them know you’re all going out to dinner and a movie or an actual treat!

Follow The Leader

Follow the leader has been a kid favorite game for years, but try it while out for a walk next time. Let your kiddo decide the route and even how you do it. You may start hopping and end up crab walking. Your child's imagination takes the game to new levels each time!

What's your favorite screen-free activity?