Screen Wean

We’re a little old-fashioned when it comes to play. While technology plays an important role in society and even in our family (as I’m writing on my laptop and posting via social media), we are more likely to be outside playing croquet, kickball, four-square, fricket, or basketball than inside watching TV or playing video games. And while we love the occasional (sometimes weekly) “family movie night,” we also have some other indoor favs like working jigsaw puzzles, reading, and playing games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, Beat the Parents, and various card games. In fact, when a huge storm surge killed our “smart TV” in August, we decided to terminate our cable contract. We haven’t missed it.

If you gave my kiddos a choice, they’d choose something with a “screen”… but that’s where three important things come into play at the Snead House:

1) They’re not in charge (insert fist-bump with my hubs here);

2) They always have a blast when we’ve spent time in activities that involve relationship (even if they’ve bickered half the time); and

3) None of them (ages 10, 12, 12, and 15) have a “smart” device (tablet, iPod, smartphone, etc.), so there’s no alternative.

What’s more, our kids never rarely request a “screen turn” (Wii, Netflix, YouTube, etc.) because they know if they do, the answer will always be“NO.”  That’s right. They’re not allowed to ask. Their time on a screen/device is initiated and allotted by ME, intentionally, at times that are good for the whole family. (My genius hubs came up with that one). And on Mondays-Thursdays during the school year, every activity is “unplugged.” Family time, family dinner, reading time, outside play, showers, chores, a healthy bedtime, and (unfortunately) homework take precedence.

We continue to put our values in front of the kids and encourage them to trust us when they don’t agree or understand. My 15yohas handled being the “last teen left with a flip phone” with great maturity. (He recently said, “Look, mom, I can do snap chat on my phone!” as he “snaps” it open and proceeds to “chat.”) He has shown us the responsibility that may earn him the opportunity to have a smartphone when he gets his license.

Don’t think for a second that these kiddos aren’t technologically savvy. In fact, sometimes it amazes me that my child who cannot for the LIFE of him put two like socks together after doing his laundry can navigate his way around the net (or help me with my own iPhone issues). We give them plenty of opportunities to be creative with technology. My oldest loves to compose music on Finale software and create movies with his siblings and cousins on iMovie, complete with special effect apps. Another child who hates academics actually LOVES to review his social studies vocabulary each night because he gets to use “quizlet” on the computer. They all love Netflix – but I watch the shows before they do (which means I’ve seen every episode of “The Flash,” am halfway through season one of “Arrow,” and have seen WAY more episodes of “Odd Squad” and “Lab Rats” than any sane person should be required to see). My goal is their protection (and that’s a whole other blogpost).

But ya’ll, it’s so worth it!

I can’t predict that my four munchkins are going to become professional athletes, Olympic gymnasts, movie producers, or engineers (their current goals – they dream big). There are some days I can’t even predict that they’ll avoid jail time! But I know the energy and thought processes they must execute to participate in active play and creativity are going to help them “adult” and impact the world waaaay more effectively than their agility with a remote! And the time they spend together, with us, or with friends is PRICELESS. They’re having real-life EXPERIENCES. They’re not just passing time; they’re making MEMORIES. They’re not just watching life happen; they’re “happening” too!

What are some ideas you’ve incorporated into your family to lower the “screen time” and encourage other activities?