It’s screen-free week and as much as is possible, our family is participating by eliminating all non-essential screen time. Outside of screen time related to work, communication, and relationships, we are abstaining from sitting in front of screens from April 27th-May 5th.
The immediate irony that in order to write this I must use a device with a screen is not lost on me. This probably doesn’t even count as “essential” screen time as I sit here on my phone feeding our youngest as she falls asleep.
But it could be essential. Being on my phone while I help the little girls settle for the night or while I breastfeed Sugarbaby may in fact be essential to my sanity. A case could be made.
Also ironic? My computer is having massive issues and in spite of now 3 trips to the Genius Bar it is completely non-functioning. I can’t really even do my essential screen time now.
The screen and media policy in our family has evolved over the years. From liberal screen time any and all the time to none what so ever and everything in between, our media exposure, particularly for our children, has seen a wide range. My pregnancies are so difficult with HG that the screen becomes not only a distraction for me but also for the rest of the family. Maybe, if we’re watching Disney’s UP for the 9 billionth time, they won’t notice me puking again.
But there’s always a detoxing period once I’m doing better because TV and movies have become the mindless numbing drug of choice during those difficult days. Getting back to our more creative and active roots takes some intentional effort and time. Effort and time that seem so challenging in the moment but worth it in the long run.
Our journey into Waldorf style education led to us limiting all electronic media for our children during the week with weekends allowing room for a movie night together. We also made a choice to no longer have licensed characters related product in our house. And so it was we entered a kind of screen-free life.
As long as I wasn’t pregnant.
We’ve found a more middle ground now that works pretty well for our family. As our parenting style continues to develop, we’ve decided that helping our children make good choices from intrinsic motivation instead of an imposed motivation is a critical piece in our ultimate goals. So we’ve informed our 3 older children (ages 10, 12, and 14) on how screen time can effect a developing brain, invited them to read journal articles and research abstracts regarding various forms of media and children or society, and discussed the observations we all have noticed within our family when it comes to screen time.
Family observations about screen time in our home: (it is worth noting that only 2 of these are mine, the rest came from the 3 big girls)
• more screen time = less creativity.
• often leads to a bad mood.
• sometimes is educational and makes history come alive.
• sucks up time.
• makes eyes tired.
• starts feeling like it’s the most important thing.
• it’s fun.
• lose track of time.
• increased fighting and relational difficulties.
• can make you think.
• it doesn’t give energy.
• enjoyable.
• some video games are fun to share with other.
• can be a way to get away from life.
• some screen time can connect with friends.
• sometimes see things you wish you didn’t.
• can get annoying.
• sometimes inhibits interacting with others.
• introduces you to new stories.
• can make you forget other things you like to do.
From these conversations and a joint analyses of the information, we have some general agreements about screen time but no set rules.
Family agreements about screen time:
• when we watch something together we wait to start it until everyone is there and ready.
• check with mommy and/or daddy before watching or playing something new to see if it is appropriate. Dialogue encouraged but trust mommy and daddy’s opinion.
• to not talk about shows/games around those for which it would be inappropriate.
• to not watch shows/games around those for which it would be inappropriate.
• before screen time prioritize reading, physical activity, relationships, and creativity.
• be mindful of how much time spent in front of the screen.
• be sensitive to how screen time may impact others around us.
We no longer have rules about screen time, just these agreements. It can be challenging for me to let my kids be in charge of their screen time if I feel they are making poor choices. Yet now more and more we see them choosing more informed decisions and there being no need for arguing.
So why decide to participate in screen-free week? Because sometimes deliberately abstaining from something for a short, agreed upon time can remind us of much we enjoy other things. We asked our girls if they would be willing to participate this week letting them know they didn’t have to. Following a conversation about what it would look like and why, we all decided together to eliminate unnecessary screen time from our lives for the week. We figured out together what we would plan to do instead of screen time for when we got tempted. After just our first day, we’re excited about what’s to come.
With the younger girls we explained the plan and after confirming that once the week was over they would get to finish the movie they had started the day before, they enthusiastically agreed and made some suggestions as to what we could do this week. Rest assured playing My Little Pony was included. The ever-growing list became even more exciting than Twilight Sparkle and Pinky Pie.
Family and individual screen-free activities:
• go to art supply store and stock up.
• read! Hit the library for some new books.
• fix up bikes and go for family bike ride.
• pick a project around house/yard to work on (herb garden and paint front door).
• paint, draw, sculpt, etc.
• family art time, do the same thing then compare individual expression.
• go fly kites.
• throw frisbee.
• sidewalk chalk games.
• sewing project.
• work on a big puzzle together.
• let your imaginations run wild.
• make duct tape clothes/purses/etc.
• do story night, take turns reading.
• board games.
• check out a crafting book from the library and try something new.
• playing!
• organize something.
• take a relaxing bubble bath.
• spa night.
• try a science experiment.
• go to a museum.
• play a storytelling game.
• family sing-a-long.
• journal.
• pick a subject/time period/event and learn more about it.
• learn and develop a new skill.
• cook or bake together.
• make ice cream in a bag.
• raise butterflies and ladybugs.
• hand new art.
• daily dance party.
• play with blocks.
• build with Legos.
• look at shapes in the clouds.
• scavenger hunts.
• bring a favorite movie and series to life playing pretend.
• play madlibs together.
• play soccer together.
• continue looking for ideas, the possibilities are endless!
Today we went to the art supply store and dreamed up so activities together, then we came home to eat the amazing Indian meal we tried from a new recipe, and then as some read, others made fun duct tape creations before playing silly games with the rolls of tape and some stuffed animals.
I’m looking forward to the rest of this week, we’ve already had a lot of fun and feel more connected with each other. Unplugging isn’t a bad thing.
~ Jessica
What about you? Are you participating in screen-free week? What is your family’s approach to screens and media?
These are great ideas! Not just for screen free week but any time! Great boredom busters for anytime! 🙂