Summer vacation is around the corner, but it also means your kids will want to spend more time in front of the screens.
It's hard to work from home or do house chores when kids want constant attention. It's easy to let them sit in front of the TV, use their laptop for games, or read books online. But, you have to take charge, set boundaries, talk about the limited use of screen time, and more.
Let's discuss fun ways to limit screen time.
#1. Set An Interesting Routine for Summer
During school days, your kids know when to wake up and what time they have to sleep. Of course, summer is different, but it doesn't have to be without any routine.
Maintaining a routine will help your kids to know what to expect. So, you can think and come up with an interesting routine. For example:
You can wake your kids by reciting their favorite poetry.
Race in brushing the teeth. Siblings can race to get out of bed.
You can read a fun story in the morning or at night.
You can serve their favorite breakfast. Act as if kids are in a restaurant.
And more!
You can think of different ideas and see what works for you and your kids. It also depends on what's your schedule during summer. Some parents may send the kids to daycare! Others may take The Independent Play Course and learn about some techniques to get your kids active and learning!
#2. Play Board Games
It would be fun to play board games together, especially if kids were busy with school and exams.
It's hard to take time out from routine, but small things can make a big difference amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
It's time to find interesting board games for summer. Then, you can invite their cousins and friends to play. It will be so much fun. Everyone will play, but not online.
#3. Play Hide And Seek
Bring the joys of childhood back to life by playing hide and seek with your kids. Of course, they have been playing Minecraft, Roblox, Among Us, and more! But, they have yet to learn the real-life fun.
Once again, you can be a kid when you play hide and seek with your kids. This summer can become your and your kids' favorite memory.
#4. Create A Water Park In The Backyard or Lawn
Creating a water park in your backyard is a fun way to limit screen time and avoid the hassle of apps, etc.
You can use garbage bags as a slide and buy the inflatable pools. Fill it with water and have fun! Use the garbage bags as slides. Also, do a water balloon fight with your kids.
Make sure kids play under your supervision, especially if they are too young. You can create the water park theme on a low budget. It doesn't have to be fancy, just creative!
#5. BBQ Party at Home
You can limit screen time but hosting a BBQ party at home. Invest in an affordable brick BBQ grill and invite friends to the house.
Let your kids be the event manager of this party. Empower them with decisions. Make goody bags for the guests, and let your kids do the wrapping! It will be so much fun for everyone, including your kids.
#6. Camping at Home
Who said you have to book a ground for camping! So let's bring camping home this summer. If you have a backyard, well and good. You can also set up a tent in your living room.
You can use an affordable camping tent or make one using the old bedsheet. But, again, you have to be creative. Let the imagination go wild so that kids can have the best life moments this summer.
#7. Movie Night at Home
If your kid is waiting for a certain cartoon movie to release, you can set a movie night at home. Make a cozy ambiance, set blankets, get the popcorn, chocolate, and chips, and let kids have fun. You can also watch a documentary or anything of your choice.
Summer is a short time, but it could be the best time of the year for your kids. So let them remember these days when they are old. After all, it's these days that you will miss the most.
Bonus Tip
Challenge your kids not to use the screen for some hours, days, weeks, or maybe a month. Then, you can mutually decide what works best for your family. Whoever completes this challenge can win a bike, a game, a gift card, or anything you choose! So try and see if it helps.
Wrapping It Up
What works for one family may not work for the other. You have to see what's the most viable solution for you. Plus, you can share it with others if you have an idea. Spread the good word!
