10 ways to get kids to ditch the devices

I have seen kids under-two swipe open a phone even before they can run, open a YouTube app to play their nursery rhymes, and switch on the television with a remote. Try and protest, and a tantrum ensues.

Yes, tech tantrums are normal. I can understand why. How much of our day do we spend on our phones and laptops? Our children watch us and want to do the same. For parents too, it is an easy way out to get them distracted and engaged. Addiction to devices is never recommended, as it stunts the emotional growth of a child.

#1 Read outside

Sometimes, reading at home can be boring. Why not adopt a ‘read outside’ day? Hunt for a park nearby, cozy with your little one on a bench and read her favourite books to her. If you choose books on nature, your little one will delight as the butterflies and trees come alive around her.

#2 Sunny and rainy day rule

Make a family rule: for sunny days, going out is a given! Encourage your kids to go outside and get busy. Bubbles are always a fun option. Or else, how about making a den together with twigs. Rainy days are fun too. Show little ones the joys of puddle stomping and leaf boating.

#3 Outdoor picnic

Outdoor picnics are a great way to bond as a family. Plan a weekend outing to one of the picnic spots around the city. Pack a goodie hamper to take along, filled with fresh fruits, juices and sandwiches.

Many picnic spots have a nearby lake where you can watch turtles and fish. The best way to ditch the couch, and spend an entire day outdoors.

#4 Go hunting for bugs

Take your kids to an area where lots of plants and trees abound. Your neighbourhood walkway could be one option. Ask them to go hunting for caterpillars, snails and other bugs that sit on trees.

Little ones (though sometimes scared), love to see moths, ants and other insects walking around. If you are adventurous enough, you could bring a bug back in a jar to show Dad, and then release them in the evening!

#5 Bring nature indoors

Don’t have the time to step outdoors. How about inviting nature home, by building a birdhouse. You could use some recycled materials from home to make this with the kids.

#6 Create a nature jar

Decorate your baby’s room with a glass jar that is filled with treasures from nature. Acorns, dry leaves, shells and anything that draws their interest outdoors. Kids can pick these up while on their walks outdoors.

#7 Explore natural resources in the area

Got kids that are old enough? Explore natural resources in the area. Take them camping, hiking or canoeing. These are fun weekend activities and allow kids to immerse themselves in nature through a sport.

#8 Toys that resemble gadgets

If your kids must play with gadgets, how about introducing them to gadgets of their own? A toy mobile phone, laptop or tablet. There are some pretty interesting ones available in stores today, which are educational too.

#9 Draw and paint

If your kids insist on staying indoors, distract them from the devices by engaging them in art and craft. They could build a mobile phone from recycled material. Or engage them in a bigger project – like building a dollhouse or a farm – something to keep them engaged for a few days or weeks.

#10 Volunteering activities

Look up volunteering activities in the area. For example, you could visit a local animal shelter, and volunteer to walk a dog on the weekend. Or teach them about recycling by setting up give-away boxes in your condo or building. They can collect preloved items from their neighbours and donate it to charity. This is a creative project that teaches them values of giving and kindness.

Do you think these activities will (finally) get your child to forget the iPad exists? Share your thoughts below!

Written by

Preeti Khicha

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