In today’s technology-driven world, screen time battles are a parenting norm! Because of this ‘screen addiction,’ children are starting to have less interest in off-screen hobbies and less physical activity.

So what can you do to tackle this problem…? It may be unrealistic and unnecessary for your child to avoid screens completely, but it is important to establish a healthy balance. Try to encourage your child to spend time enjoying other hobbies and interests with extra-curricular clubs and more screen-free activities at home.

To help you get started, here are 5 screen-free activity ideas from an independent school in Surrey…

Spend time outdoors

One of the best ways to persuade children to ditch their electronics is by taking them outside on an adventure. Exploring nature provides many fun learning opportunities for children and encourages them to use all of their senses. You could even have a go at Geocaching, which is like an outdoor treasure hunt.

Build a den together

Whether it’s inside or outside, building a den with your child is a great way to spend some quality time together. You can make a den out of cardboard boxes, tables and chairs, or even tree branches. Once completed, put down a picnic blanket, gather some snacks and snuggle up for a story.

Have a games night

Games make an ideal screen-free activity. Board games, in particular, can also be used to support your child’s learning. For example, Snakes and Ladders and Monopoly will help develop maths skills without your child even realising it! You can also use Jigsaw puzzles to help your child concentrate, analyse and problem solve.

Make Arts and Crafts

Stimulate your kids’ creativity and imagination by making arts and crafts with them regularly. Create handmade accessories using colorful beads and gemstones, wires, and more. Make tye-dye shirts to wear on the beach in the summer. Create handcrafted decorations for the holidays. You can find tons of arts and crafts projects to do together as a family.

Grow your own veg

Making your own vegetable patch in the garden is a great way to keep your children busy. It will also teach them where food comes from and encourage them to eat healthily. Your child will enjoy watching their vegetables grow and picking and eating their very own produce!

Set up experiments

Children love to ask questions and see how things work. Help to stimulate your child’s curiosity by setting up some fun experiments at home. Don’t worry. This doesn’t require any dangerous chemicals; you can create safe science experiments in minutes, using household items like baking powder and vinegar.

Reading

Reading is a great way to not only nurture young minds but let them expand their imagination. Reading comes in many forms, from magazines and comics to full-length novels or collections of short stories. Being able to help your child find something they enjoy reading will help you reduce screen time even more.