Embracing family
Summertime has arrived: for the kids — fun, run and sun; for the parents — feeling done!
If our children are engrossed in electronics to the point where they neglect their daily responsibilities, consider inviting them to daily unplugged time!
This challenge, tailored to their age, involves daily time without electronics (social media, video games, phones or the internet). It’s an excellent opportunity for them to enjoy unplugged play, tap into creativity, focus on their chores and other responsibilities and spend quality time with their family and friends. Let’s forget about our charging cables for a while.
Many young people (and adults) spend countless hours scrolling on social media while becoming increasingly disengaged with the people around them. They are responding to conversations but afterward have no recollection of the conversation. It’s as if they have disappeared into their phones.
Other times, these same people are delightful to be around, engaging and thoughtful. They often do not even realize what they are like when absorbed with social media or video games. Many parents give devices to children as affordable babysitters or to have some personal time.
Our children (and many of us, too) still need to develop the self-control to use electronics as a tool rather than as an escape or, possibly, an addiction. The best thing that could happen to many of us is that we don’t have our charging cable.
This topic made us reflect on our first technology challenge as parents: One of our daughter’s first temper tantrums was right after watching a Baby Einstein video. When it ended, she had her first tantrum. We were in utter shock at her response. We bid farewell to Baby Einstein and resolved to hold off on all technology until our daughter was 4.
We had no regrets about doing so, as our children learned to create their toys and games, and they loved to play outside, rain or shine. For most of their early years, they thought “bored” was a bad word because it was something that we did not allow in our home.
Another perk to unplugged play is that it doesn’t require a charging cable.
Whatever our children’s ages, if they want additional privileges, we should discuss with our spouses what skills and responsibilities we want them to cultivate to earn those privileges.
Among that list, consider including self-regulation with electronics. The emphasis here is on self-regulation. Let them know that we expect them to set app timers or use timers to regulate how long they use their device. If they are disrespectful or irresponsible, have them turn in their iPad or video game for a week.
Have charging stations in the living room or another common area so that electronics are not in the bedrooms. Having electronic devices in a shared location is safer and healthier for our children. Our marriages will also benefit by keeping electronics out of the bedroom.
Even if our children are responsible and respectful, consider challenging them to daily unplugged time. We can go camping, hiking, biking or swimming together. We can read or write, draw or play an instrument. Maybe we can volunteer at church or elsewhere.
We can take some time to pray. We can enjoy the extra time, breathe deeply and connect with family and friends.
It’s a good idea that we occasionally lose our charging cables. Remember that if we want to challenge our kids to unplugged time daily, we must be willing to lead by example. So, are we ready to be role models for our kids and unplug for a while every day?
Questions? Please email Sarah and David at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com.
