Taking a day each week unplugged from technology can be a great way to reconnect as a family. Here are some ideas and tips for planning your family’s day without screens.
It’s been over a year now since we did a whole month for our kids with no screens. No TV, no tablets, no Kindles, no computer and no phones.
The tension had been building between the kids and I over screen time. We had rules in place for when and how long the kids could use screens. It was being abused and the rules were being broken consistently.
My kids behavior showed signs of addiction. I couldn’t believe that an 8 year old boy and a 10 year old girl could be addicted to watching television and playing games on their tablet.
It was time for a change and my husband and I felt it needed to be drastic in order to show our kids we were serious about their screen time use.
We decided to do a month long screen time fast.
It was going to be very hard at first. So, to help with this transition we had the kids think of all the things they could do at home that didn’t include a screen. We made a big long list and then posted it on our refrigerator.
After our month long screen time fast it was time to evaluate how things went. My husband and I observed how our kids had gradually begun to use their imaginations again during play. We saw an improvement in the overall mood in each child.
Now that the month with no screens was over it was time to come up with a new plan and a set of guidelines for screen time use for our kiddos.
As a family we agreed to go screen free every Saturday. We would unplug from technology and make it a day to be more connected as a family as opposed to being connected to our screens.
How Much Time Are People Spending On Screens?
Did you know the average tween spends 4 hours a day on a screen? And the average for teens is almost 7 hours per day!
If you think that is a lot then this average for adults will blow your mind. 11 hours. Adults are spending most of their waking hours interacting and using media devices.
No wonder we feel so busy and like there is not enough time in our day. We are spending all our minutes using screens.
These stats definitely solidify our family’s need for a screen free day.
Why We Choose To Unplug From Technology Once A Week
The biggest reason we chose to unplug once a week is to make sure we don’t let screen time become more important than face time.
We want to show our kids the importance and value in relationship and also make sure they know that our screens are not more important than people.
It’s ok not to answer every text message right away or a phone call. Most notifications on our phones are not urgent. We can get to them later.
Unplugging once a week also gives our minds and eyes a break. Do your eyes ever get tired from looking at a screen? Mine do!
My husband works in IT ( Information Technology) so he is looking at a computer screen or phone screen all day long. When he comes home from work, many days his eyes are red and irritated. He takes a few minutes to just close his eyes and let them rest.
RELATED: Making A Summer Schedule To Reduce Screen Time
The Struggle Of A Day Unplugged
Some Saturdays it can be a bit of a struggle with the kiddos to stay screen free. They will ask:
Can we just do media this one time?
Can I show you this cool YouTube video I watched the other day?
Screens are such a big part of everyday life nowadays. You have to be very intentional to remain screen free.
To make screen free Saturdays less of a struggle we encourage the kids to think of games they can play together. Or to be creative and build something with cardboard boxes.
While we may give them a few ideas of how to use their time my husband and I let the kids figure out what they can do, play, and read during our screen free Saturdays.
Benefits Of Being Unplugged From Technology
Taking a day to unplug removes distractions. You are not sidetracked by every ding and beep your phone makes.
You are able to give each family member your undivided attention without interruption.
When my daughter brings me her latest art creation I actually look at her and look at her creation without glancing down at my phone.
It also gives us breathing room. That feeling of always being “on” subsides and I feel like I can relax a little easier.
Looking up feels good to my neck muscles and my thumb gets a break. Seriously, have you ever noticed your neck being sore from looking down so much. Or your thumb gets a cramp from holding your phone and texting. Do yourself a favor and just pause to look up. Your neck will thank you. ;P
Taking a day unplugged from technology automatically gives you more time in your day. Remember that statistic of hours spent on screens? If we are off the screens we now have more time in our day to get a project done, spent time as a family, read a book, take a nap or just sit and relax. The possibilities are endless.
Tips to Planning Your Own Day to Unplug
Now that we know how going unplugged can benefit us how do we go about making it happen?
These tips have helped our family to have a successful day unplugged with less opposition.
- Have a family meeting.
- During a family meeting decide which day would work best to go unplugged. Talk about the benefits of having an unplugged day from technology. Don’t make it sound like a bad thing, keep the spirit of a day unplugged a positive one.
- Put all screens away.
- Move all phones, tablets, iPad and Kindles to a closed room, drawer or closet. It helps to keep the screens out of eyesight and ears length to remove temptation.
- Put phones on silent or vibrate.
- Parents- if you need to remain connected for work purposes try setting a specific time when you will check in with work. Keep it as short as possible.
- Let family and friends know.
- Make sure you let those closest to you know about your screen free day. Then they won’t get upset when you don’t reply to a text message or phone call right away.
- Have a list of activities.
- Brainstorm a list of activities you can do during your screen free day. They can be simple ideas such as doing a puzzle, reading a book aloud or coloring. You could also plan a special family outing. Visit a local park or the zoo ( Don’t go to the movies). It’s helpful to have a list to get creativity flowing.
Are you ready to try out a day without technology? Grab this free printable and plan your day to unplug!
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