Sure, it might keep them occupied (read: quiet) when you have to get something done, but sometimes, it can feel like there’s just too much tech. That’s when you might decide that it’s time to slow down the screen time and do something that doesn’t involve smartphones, tablets, or other devices. But what else is left? A lot, according to these moms who offered up 20 screen-free indoor activities for kids that will keep them busy and just might build in some bonding as well.
The problem is that it’s just so hard to turn off the tablets and video games and smartphones. They're fun, entertaining, and provide instant gratification, so really, who would want to get rid of that? As it turns out, though, there might be so much more that you and your kids are missing, if only you put down your screens. “Screen-free activity time leaves space and availability for special family moments to occur that create memories that truly matter and will always be remembered and treasured,” pediatric occupational therapist and author Dr. Elizabeth Jennings tells Romper in an email. “When kids are able to spend active, engaged, face-to-face quality time together with their families, they improve their social, mental, and self-regulation skills, in addition to an increase in their activity level, resulting in less physical, emotional, and behavioral problems such as obesity, depression, and aggression from extended screen use.”
So now that you know that it’s good to turn off the tech every once in a while, what are you going to do with all that time? Start with some of these activities that kids and parents give the thumbs up to, and see what life is like sans screens.
17
Declutter your space
“This has been a great time to do some decluttering, and so I’ve had the kids clean out their closets. But the goal has not been to simply dump stuff in the garbage (although that’s great, too), but to assign a charity to receive our donations. Somehow, knowing that their used toys were going to go to kids in need helped motivate my kids to really clean house.”
— Tiffany, mom of 2
18
Make plans for the future
“I’m a perpetual planner, and I enjoy thinking about the things that we can do in the future. Each week, over dinner, we sit down together and talk about what we’d like to do and where we’d like to go. Some are super simple goals, but others are bigger. Making plans for the future has had a somewhat calming and inspirational effect on us.”
— Marissa, mom of 3
19
Play kid-friendly games
"It might seem silly, but we play games around the house. The most popular one by far is Hide and Seek. It's a game that all my kids get into, and it becomes very, um, creative in terms of hiding places. I've had to warn my kids on more than one occasion that the inside of the washing machine is NOT a good (or safe) spot."
— Stacy, mom of 4
20
Unplug everything — even the lights
"It's hard to find an activity that all five kids will like. But when I see that the kids are stressed and we all need to unplug, what I do is turn off everything. We light candles, we sit together and eat, and talk. With zero distractions, I've found that it's just the right thing to help everyone reset. Frayed nerves are calmed, we connect, and it seems like we center ourselves again as a family. I can't lie, though; when the lights go back on, everyone is very happy!"
— Lucy, mom of 5
It's hard for children — and even adults — to take a break from devices once in a while. But once you get past the tantrums and the 'tude, they'll find ways to occupy their time, either with the toys and supplies available to them, or even by spending quality time with you.