Connect with us

Lifestyle

Luring The Kids From The Screen – Or Screens

What Barn?

A friend of mine recently started letting a property to tourists and asked me to help out making the place safer for kids.  The main risks were – as far as we could establish – a crumbling barn with easy access and a limited number of rotten floorboards.  Back in the day, we both agreed, this building would have been too tempting for either of us to ignore, regardless of warnings about broken limbs and tetanus jabs.    A few hours later, tired and sweaty, we surveyed the newly blocked-up building confident that it was more or less kid-proof.

Some weeks later I called round to fix a problem for the resident tourists but unable to raise an answer I called round the back, to try and get their attention.  Unfortunately, the kids, though clearly visible through a window were too busy to notice my presence!  One was mesmerized by a TV, the next by an iPad whilst the the third was so entranced by her phone that she resembled a diminutive zombie.  Risky, dangerous fascinating barn?  What barn.  The kids of today, it seems, don’t need to risk life, limb or a nasty cut or two to enjoy themselves.

Risk Free Childhood?

OK, so, maybe that’s a good thing?  But what really struck me about this particular happy family was just how much the screen and our gadgets rule our life – and particularly the lives of younger generations.  This is good – those generations will almost certainly spend their lives working with technology.  However, is it all good and what, if anything, can you do to lure the kids from the screen?

Well, in age where childhood obesity and health levels in general are of increasing concern to many health professionals and parents alike, the screen addiction that our kids (and many of us) seem to be developing must be at least in part a contributing factor.  Today kids associate down-time more and more with screen-time, rather than with active or non-screen based activities.  Getting outdoors, active and fit are important at any time of life but those who learn to do so early in life are more likely to focus on healthy ways of living as they grow older.  In addition, activities that involve a more hands on approach than your average touch screen are also important; arts or crafts activities engage a side of our brain that controls intuitive thinking, emotional perception, hand-eye coordination and creative problem solving.  Hobbies of any creative nature can offer not only a lot of developmental benefits to kids but can be extremely effective at encouraging them to spend a little less time on their screen of choice.

Tips for Encouraging Creative Crafts

Starting at an early age is the best way to encourage kids to enjoy screen-alternatives.  Whether that’s a bit of healthy exercise or an artistic hobby or two.  The earlier you start with art or craft activities the more likely you will establish where your kids personal interest lies.

  • Early exposure to arts, crafts and creative subjects is also useful. Galleries – big or small – sculpture parks and libraries should be all part of your regular itinerary with the kids.  Follow trips up with home-based activities of the craft or creative kind.
  • Ensure you have a ready supply of craft materials. Pens, crayons and paper should be part of the basic stash but other craft supplies should also be readily available at home.
  • As kids grow older and more skilled encourage them to get involved in clubs or groups of the creative variety. Creative skills are often best learned in groups and this kind of activity also improves your kids communication and social skills, building their self-confidence along the way.

It’s fair to say that computers and gadgets rule our lives and this is likely to continue to be the case.   However, not every life skill can be learned while tapping away at a screen (though that may be a good way to stock up on papercraft supplies.  Arts, crafts and other traditional hobbies are a very good way to lure the kids off the laptop.  Whichever art, craft or creative area you encourage your kids to participate in, ensure that at least one is part of their lives.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Autos9 hours ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education1 day ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement2 days ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Health2 weeks ago

The Power of CBD Oil for Relaxation: How to Use it for Sleep and Stress Relief

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or feeling stressed, try CBD oil. CBD oil has a moment...

General2 weeks ago

Benefits of Getting your Mobile Phone Repair

Mobile phone repair is a task that needs high skills and experience. That is why we always recommend users trust...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

Great Ways To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back In Full

Moving is almost always stressful as there are tons of things to plan and do. Getting your security deposit back...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

DIY Garage Door Repair: Tips and Tricks for Fixing Common Problems and Maintaining Your System

If your garage door needs to be fixed, wait to call a repairer. Many common problems can be fixed quickly...

Education3 weeks ago

7 Tips to Choosing the Right University for You

Are you considering continuing your education at university? If so, it can be overwhelming to decide which school is right...

Finance4 weeks ago

3 Ways Loans from Credit Unions Are Different From Major Banks

If you’re in the loan market, you may wonder if a credit union is the right choice. Here are three...

Food1 month ago

The World of Coffee: Exploring the Aromas, Flavors, and Benefits of the World’s Most Popular Beverage

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s also one...

Education2 months ago

New Driver? 5 Things to Consider When Looking for Driving School

When it comes to choosing a driving school, there are many factors to consider. Not all driving schools are created...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Landscape Irrigation Systems: The Basics

If you’re a homeowner, you know that keeping your lawn and landscaping looking nice can be a lot of work....

Travel2 months ago

5 Things to Look for in Luxury Hotels

When it comes to luxury hotels, there is a lot to look out for. Here are five key things that...

Home Improvement2 months ago

Is There a Difference Between Commercial and Residential Concrete?

If you’re a contractor, you know that concrete is a versatile construction material. But did you know that there are...

Law2 months ago

5 Tips to Find the Right Litigation Firm

When it comes to selecting the right litigation firm for your legal needs, choosing wisely is of utmost importance. It’s...

Categories

Archives

Trending