Are you struggling trying to figure out how to keep your child unplugged after the long winter season? Screen-free time is essential to healthy child development. However, kids today are surrounded by technology, making reducing screen time a seemingly endless battle. Mowglis’ summer camp for boys has you covered, helping you and your child develop healthier technology habits to ensure a smoother, stress-free daily routine.
Delay Doling Out Devices
Wait as long as possible before gifting gaming consoles or tablets and keep TVs out of bedrooms to minimize tech exposure. If a phone must be purchased, skip smartphones, opting for flip phones or specialized watches for kids with limited contact lists and no browser.
Lead by Example
Model healthy behavior by monitoring your technology use and putting away devices when you interact with your kids. Holding yourself to the same standards to be physically, mentally, and emotionally present builds stronger family bonds.
Schedule Tech-Free Times into Your Day
Technology isn’t necessarily bad, but limitless, unmonitored access can be – even for adults. Creating clear boundaries teaches kids self-discipline and prioritization while eliminating whining and bargaining. There are many ways to incorporate technology-free periods into the day, such as:
- Setting time limits on each device
- Using auto-off clock features that curtail use based on a schedule, such as between 6 pm and 10 am
- Tabling technology during meals and homework time to limit interruptions
- Turning off technology at least an hour before bed
- Scheduling a ‘technology-free day’ monthly, enjoying the day together doing other activities
Encourage Sensory Play
Give your kids the gift of childhood by offering fun, hands-on activities that provide a more enriching experience, such as:
- Exploring clay and playdough creations
- Painting with fingerpaints, watercolor, or acrylic on any medium, from parchment paper to rocks and ceramics
- Block, marble run, train track, and other building toys
- Card and board games (parent play a plus!)
- Indoor or outdoor water play with age-safe items
- Art and STEM kits from the local craft store
- Puzzles
- Family reading time
- Instrument lessons
Explore the Outdoors
Look for age-appropriate outdoor play opportunities that appeal to your child’s unique interests – or try something new together! Options are nearly limitless:
- Incorporate outdoor play equipment to entice younger children outdoors, like saucer swings, monkey bars, and slides
- Add a clubhouse by converting an old shed or get your child’s help building one from scratch
- Pitch a tent and have a supervised backyard sleepover with family or friends, experiencing your yard after dark
- Ask friends and family about fun outdoor gifts you may have overlooked, like stomp rockets and racers, foam airplane launchers, and pop-up play kits
- Explore area walking and bike trails
- Go on a hiking trip to a scenic nature preserve
- Grab binoculars and go birding with a paper guidebook
- Gather around a firepit or small tabletop grill, making s’mores as a family while gazing at the stars
- Start a garden using repurposed totes, pools, and sandboxes
Don’t Overlook Active Indoor Play Options
Sometimes, bitterly cold, dreary weather seems endless. Keeping a ‘rainy day fund’ for visiting indoor play attractions during these times makes an excellent investment in your collective mental health. Don’t overlook opportunities to try something new, such as:
- Trampoline parks
- Inflatable play centers
- Indoor jungle gyms
- Ninja warrior courses
- Indoor mini golf and laser tag
- Rock climbing centers
- Roller skating rinks
- Indoor bike and scooter tracks
Establish Healthier Habits with Help from Mowglis
Learn how to keep your child unplugged with these tips from Camp Mowglis. Reinvent your routine after a summer at our boys’ overnight camp. Contact us at 603-744-8095 to register your son for the upcoming sleepaway camp season today.
