With the summer holidays here, it can be very easy to fall into the trap of screen time. Sure, having some family evenings watching films and allowing our kids to relax and enjoy this time off school with some occasional video game playing is fine. But it can become a problem when screen time takes up days, which then becomes weeks! With only six weeks of school holidays to play with, we want to make memories, rather than make our eyes square. Let’s have a look at some alternatives to screen time this summer.
Head Outside
One of the best things to do if the weather allows, is to head outside this summer. Whether you make use of your garden, walk to the local park or perhaps drive to the coast, the outdoors is fantastic. It doesn’t have to cost a lot either! If you plan, you can take food and drink with you, and also find free parking. The great outdoors is brilliant for a vitamin D top up, some fresh air and lots of stretching the legs. Let kids play, climb trees, paddle in the shallows and kick a ball around. Getting outside for the day is one of the best alternatives to screen time.
Go Camping
If you are looking for a few days away, disconnecting from the TV screen by getting under canvas is a brilliant idea. Summer holidays often mean a family vacation, but with everyone struggling financially, you probably don’t want to spend a lot or have much to actually spend. Camping can be really affordable and it is a great way to go completely off grid in terms of screens. Dust off the old tent, bag up some food and pack your walking boots. Some of the best memories can be made in the countryside. Go for a walk, cook tea together outside and play cards by torchlight. This awesome idea on our list of alternatives to screen time could even become a new annual tradition!
Creative, Craft & Books
If you are going to take their screens off them, you need to have something to replace them. A plan, something well prepared. How about baking? Not only do you enjoy having fun together, but you also get to sample your goodies at the end! You could get crafty with some art too. Some cheap canvases and some paint can lead to some new wall art for the family. Junk modelling is a fantastic way to use that box of recycling you have got to take to the tip. Beads can be used to create presents for loved ones, seeds can be planted outside to grow some colourful plants and you could even create slime with a simple online tutorial! Most of the ingredients you already have in the house!
One of the best things to keep imaginations active is reading. Maybe your little ones have shown interest in a particular series of books and you could buy them a new one in that set. Perhaps simply joining the library will open them up to a whole range of books. Along with the events that libraries put on throughout the summer.
Final Thoughts
There are many alternatives to screen time that you can enjoy as a family this summer. Get out and about, have some fun and breathe in that fresh air! Whilst you might want to capture some family selfies on your smartphone, be sure that you are setting the example and keep your phone in your pocket most of the time! We’re not saying to cut the power cords completely, but just use this school holidays to make memories and enjoy some time together.
