How to get your kids off their screens - for good
Did you know that the average child spent 7.5 hours a day, or 114 days, on screens in 2023?
New Years’ resolutions might be long gone, but why not introduce some lasting change (and fun) for the whole family. It may not be easy dragging your kids from their beloved devices at first, but with the right tools and games in place it can be done - and it’s definitely worth it!
Here are some simple ways to get your children off their screens for good – which will result in more quality family time as well.
Venture outdoors
We know the wonderful British weather doesn’t always lend itself to outdoors fun, but spring isn’t far off (and we’ve got your back with our collection of fun-loving brollies).
Why not get the kids stuck into gardening, take a closer look at the wildlife living on your doorstep or fight for your lives in a game of boomerang.
Build precious memories together, get your little ones out the house and spark their curiosity in all things natural.
Gardening Tools – Ladybird, £4.95
Pop-out net with pouch - Nature trail, £3.95
Wooden Boomerang – Wild Bear, £6.95
Get creative
Let your kids’ imaginations run riot. From sewing their own animals to having them (temporarily) tattooed on their bodies, helping your little ones sink their teeth into a creative task is a great way to distract them from the online world.
They don’t always need to be active to escape their screens – it can be as simple as taking the phones away and putting pencils in their place!
Felt craft kit - Sew your own cat, £9.95
Temporary Tattoos, £1.95
Bake up some goods
Roll up your sleeves and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with your little ones this spring.
The allure of surprise treats should come in handy with teaching the kids basic cooking skills…if they’re not interested in the process, they certainly will be in the outcome!
Occasion or no occasion, it always brightens a day to have freshly baked goodies on the table.
Wild Wonders Children Apron, £8.95
Double Oven Glove – Wild Flowers, £14.95
Set (fun) challenges
While some challenges will scare kids off before you’ve finished explaining them, others might just spark enough of an interest, or that competitive spirit, so they don’t run a mile.
Challenge them to build their own space rocket or robot; why not race to see who’s quickest? If that doesn’t float their boat, send them on a Nature Trail with their very own gadgets to help discover all the weird and wonderful creatures nestling away outdoors.
Whatever the task, having a goal will help distract their minds from their online lives – a well needed break!
Build Your Own Tumbling Robot, £12.95
Make Your Own Bug Habitat - Nature Trail, £12.95
Transport them back in time
It’s so much more than Hopscotch, French Skipping or Snakes & Ladders. They’re games that we played with our parents, who played them with their parents, dating back to as far as the 13th Century.
These timeless classics can bring the family together (and turn them against each other) more than any technology. Make them part the routine – that way your kids will lose themselves in this nostalgic fun without even thinking about it. Hopefully you will too!
Hopscotch, £3.95
French Skipping Set, £3.95
Travel Snakes & Ladders Game, £6.65
View our quirky collection of Kids Toys and Games for more inspiration!
