Wednesday 23 February 2022

Less Screentime

I'm going to write this post and try not to sound preachy. At a talk the other day I got asked how I keep my children off screens. 

I think it's certainly easier for us here as we have plenty of space and my work fits perfectly around the children. So there is lots for the children to do and I often do and make things with them (we play a lot of board games in the house as well). 

But my answer to the question was really simple. We don't let them. We're the authority here. 

They have access to tablets and stuff, but they get to use them for a few hours on a Saturday and Sunday morning and that's it. If we go out for a meal we don't take devices with us, we try and talk and enjoy each others company, or if it's going to be boring we take a deck of cards to play with. 


I'm proud of the fact our children have great attention spans and will happily watch a whole movie, or do a job that takes upwards of an hour without loosing interest. They also have chores to do and will empty the dishwasher or cook breakfast. 

Last Saturday was the perfect example. I'd kicked them outside (they were playing Lego) and they were wondering what they could do. Middlest asked if they could have a bonfire, but I don't have enough to burn for that, instead I said they could light the pizza oven (goo to light it in the winter as stops it getting too damp). They went and found twigs, some newspaper and the matches, they lit it themselves, I had nothing to do with the whole operation. They then spent hours feeding the fire and playing in the area around it (sword fights with sticks featuring quite highly). 


I love when they end up staying out until it gets dark, perfect winters day! 

Probably preaching to the converted with this post, so I apologise if I am or if I come across "holier than thou" with it!

15 comments:

  1. I agree, as a child I often was bored, but some children take it to a new level, sadly some of my own grandsons are nothing without their iPads, and yes they have 1 each, when we get together, they play games, mum and dad say the boys are happy, but I think they are just kept busy so mum and dad get a quiet life, I think it's sad. Yet another grandson is outside all the time, if it's not raining he's outside, he likes to help with cooking, help grandad in his garage, his favourite words are ' what you doing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly sometimes when my boy is with me he doesn't draw breath and if I need to think I almost say go and watch TV but I try not to as I think if I died tomorrow at least I spent the most time with them as possible. I'm lucky though and have plenty of time on my own when I work and I know not everyone is so lucky.

      Delete
  2. Brilliant Kev, you're bringing them up to be so versatile in anything they do. And you're not afraid to let them get on with it and learn by their mistakes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sue - I think there are many adults who are worried to make a mistake. When I wreck a woodworking item I always bring it in to show them, I want them to see that this is part of the process of how I learn.

      Delete
  3. AND so many folks use "screen time" as a babysitter. As mentioned above, the kids are quiet, occupied, and the parent (or adult in charge) doesn't have to interact with them. Unfortunate. We're supposed to be educating our children in all ways including letting them figure things out on their own . . . with the proper supervision . . . which is the way you are so very intelligently caring for and guiding yours. What terribly sad memories children will have if all they remember from their childhood is sitting in front of a screen. Unhealthy emotionally, mentally and physically. (Gosh, I kinda sorta got grumpy and preachy there, didn't I!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone once said to me that "children are great emulators, give them something great to emulate" and it really stuck with me. Do I get it right all the time - hell no! But I keep trying and we seem to enjoy each others company.

      Delete
  4. When our boys were small we always traveled with a plastic bucket under the car seat. It contained simple plain old modeling clay. They would spend quiet time in the car on trips playing with the clay. When we arrived, the clay went back in the pan, and the lid went on. Easy peasy. But oh so helpful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a great thing to have in the car! I have to admit that sometimes we listen to books in the car as a family or play games. The audio books are so good and we all get really into the story on long drives.

      Delete
  5. Having grown up like that it is easy to identify with the processes that are going on - and the recognize the resourceful, aware, curious, and innovative people they have the opportunity to develop into. I do feel a bit sorry for youngsters who are under the tyranny of life online, and have no guidance on how to imagine some life separate from it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As I siad we're so lucky here to have the space to let them be a bit more free than I know many others can't do. I worry so much about the teenage years that are coming, I wonder if I'm up the challenge!

      Delete
  6. Kev, it is okay to preach to the choir.

    We did the same with our children when they were younger. When they became older, the computer became more ubiquitous due to school, but even know they can do activities for hours on their own that have nothing to do with an electronic anything.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was quite into computers as a teenager, but computers weren't great then. I suppose I still use them but only really for writing. I bet I haven't played a game on one in nearly 10 years! Mum used to lock us outside when we were children so had no choice but to create worlds and have fun. I'm glad she did!

      Delete
  7. I totally agree with you. We have two boys, 17 and 13. The elder one gets somewhat fed up of online classes and wants to spend time outdoors. But the younger one will use any excuse to go online. His friends think he is not cool because he doesn't share online game stats like they do. But we keep telling him that he needs sunlight and fresh air. Fortunately our dog and a stray cat keep him company. I've heard him complain to the cat about not being able to play online games!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think a dog is a good tool for mental health of a teenager. I remember clearly loosing my temper with mum and dad about something not being fair and I'd storm off down the field. The dog would follow and I'd come back a lot lighter in my mind because of it. The only real reason I keep thinking we should get one now to be honest is for friendship for the children (although I also live the perfect live for one).
      the online classes came just after our school had been warning against too much screen time.

      Delete
  8. I think as mine get older it's going to become harder and harder. so far we've never paid for a digital download but I think the boy will be the hardest with this as all his friends are already on computer games.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...