ENGAGE CHILDREN IN PEOPLE, NOT SCREENS
Finally, the weather is warming. Getting outside with your kids is not only fun but healthy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, media should not be used by children younger than 2 and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day. Unfortunately, children today get more than double that with TV, phones, tablets, computers, and video games. Mayo Clinic warns that increased screen time has been shown to cause obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral problems, and impaired academic performance.
There is so much pressure nowadays to keep your children in front of a screen. How can moms get an upper hand on this? Go back in time to the fun activities before the screen age. The following are some easy and fun ways to engage your children so they won’t even realize it’s been an hour since they last saw a screen.
Our Amazon finds for outdoor fun
1. Flying a kite
Kites can be fun and allow your child to get fresh air and exercise. Kites are also affordable.
2. Playing ball
Teaming up and letting kids show off their skills builds confidence.
3. Scavenger hunt
You can do this in your backyard, at a park, or on a road trip. They will have fun competing to be the first to find everything.
4. Bean bag toss
This is a fun game in the backyard, but venture out to parks and beaches with this game for an amazing picnic outing.
5. Archery
Archery can build eye-hand coordination. As your child's skills increase with archery, so will their confidence. Note: parent supervision required. This allows for bonding and great memories.
Other outdoor activities
1. Tag
2. Relay races
3. Bike hikes
4. Hiking
I’d love to say there is never a rainy day where I live, but we all know not every day is an outdoor day.
Indoor non-screen activities
1. puzzles
2. Board games
Here are some of our favorites.
Catan
https://a.co/d/080NoVHj
Monopoly
Sorry
3. Card games
Uno
https://a.co/d/0ftwoVSZ
Regal Games Card Games for Kids
https://a.co/d/0cKKVsdR
When we encourage active play with our children and grandchildren, minds grow, obesity decreases, and bonding between people occurs. Ditch the screens and engage in activities together.
Enjoy the warm days and be blessed, my friends.
