Technology is present in every aspect of our lives nowadays. We use technology every day at work, we rely on it to communicate, shop, or entertain ourselves. Almost everything we do these days relies on some sort of technology. Naturally, our children are exposed to it from an early age too. These are the generations that learn to use the tablet before they learn how to tie their shoes. So what can we do to engage our kids in old-school, technology-free activities every now and then? Here are a few suggestions.
- Spend time outdoors every day
Teaching your children to spend some time outdoors every day is a great way to keep them far from gadgets, at least for a little while. Most kids love the outdoors, especially when the weather is nice.
However, it’s up to you as a parent, to set a good example. If you go for daily walks in the park or simply choose to walk them to school or to their grandparents, instead of driving (if the distances are reasonable), will offer them a great example.
For many busy adults, walking is the only type of workout they can engage in. Walking is healthy for the body, helps burn calories, and clears the mind. Your kids will benefit later in life if they get this habit from you.
- Discover their passion for nature
On a similar note, you might want to do something to help your kids discover the wonders of nature. Once they do this, they’re more likely to want to spend time walking in nature, swimming, or hiking, instead of staying at home playing computer games.
Just like us, children develop certain preferences and skills as they discover what type of natural setting is best for them. The majority of kids love water. Whether you can go to the sea, a lake, or a river, teaching them how to swim or practice water sports from an early age can contribute to a healthy lifestyle later. If you have mountains or forests nearby, you can take the chance to go hiking regularly, this way, you’ll reduce the number of hours your little ones spend stuck in front of the tablet or computer.
- Play creative communication games
Direct communication is essential if you want to raise happy, confident children. They need you to be by their side both physically and mentally. No matter how tired you are when you get off work, you should take some time each evening to communicate with your children and, why not, try to play some fun technology-free games at least for a couple of minutes.
There are countless words-games like the hangman you can play with them, which don’t need to involve a tablet or smartphone. You can also tell them riddles and ask them to guess the word, or play classic puzzles, or any other game that brings you together and makes you put your mobile phone aside.
- Get a pet
I know that this one might be the hardest one, but we swear is also one of the most efficient ways to keep kids entertained without any gadgets. Children love animals, especially their animals, the ones they get as a present when they’re little and literally grow up together with.
Whether it’s a puppy or a kitten, your kid will be delighted to see the cute little creature happily walking around the home every day.
Yes, pets are messy, and they do require care and attention, but if you teach your children to be responsible for them, you will only enjoy the benefits. Pets can boost the morale of the entire family, help kids move around more instead of sitting on the couch watching YouTube videos, and help your kids become more mature and responsible.
These are just 4 things you could do to help your children get engaged in technology-free activities. I’m sure there are plenty of other examples that will come to your mind. Remember that whatever method you choose to apply, first of all, you have to be a good example and try to avoid spending too much time texting or browsing while you’re at home.