Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

Unplug and Play

Not so long ago there was an annual celebration called TV-Turnoff with the goal of turning off the television for seven days and finding other ways to entertain ourselves. Now, what with desk and lap top computers, I-pads and pods, and an array of video games for all ages, simply turning off the television will not provide us a respite from video screens or an opportunity to find other ways to entertain ourselves and interact with others. To address that challenge, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood sponsors Screen-Free Week. This year the dates are April 18-24.

Going Screen-Free for seven days is a formidable challenge without question, even if we allow ourselves access for essential tasks related specifically to work and school. We’ve all become quite attached to technology and untethered from screens, we’ll likely feel naked. Yet I am convinced we’ll all benefit from participating in this challenge. Although initially discombobulated, we’re likely to come to enjoy the freedom, and once the holiday ends, to feel refreshed. Ideally we’ll take away from the experience a commitment to less screen time.

TV-Turnoff

Statistics show that 99% of US households own a television; 66% have three or more. I have read that the average American child watches television 1,680 minutes per week. That’s 28 hours a week or an average of four hours each and every day spent watching television.

How else might that time be spent? Trade this passive, sedentary activity for something active, engaging and stimulating. Read a book. Paint a picture. Pull out blocks and build whatever comes to mind. Add props and create an imaginative play scenario.

Take a walk~rain or shine. Jump rope. Play hide-and-seek. Plant a garden. Bake cookies. Pack a lunch, go to the park, and have a picnic. Play a game. [Check-out games at playworks.net. Play Packs provide directions for active games~indoors and out. Find It and Think-ets provide fun for the whole family and are perfect take along games.]

Meeting the Screen-Free Challenge

Studies show that parents spend only 39 minutes a week in meaningful conversations with their children. That’s sad for parents and children alike. Here’s an antidote: schedule a family meeting and together plan daily activities for Screen-Free Week.

Yes, you’re likely to encounter resistance. Be firm, patient, and persistent. Have a sense of humor. [Take your cues from Laure McNulty "rallying her troops" in “Time to Clean Up.”] Encourage participation, keep an open mind, and explore all proposals. Work towards consensus, reiterating the importance of respect and give-and-take when deciding what will work best for everyone involved. Make a calendar and count down to "take-off."

This is a time to break out of our routines and discover new ways of being. Along the way, we’ll be honing our social skills and improving our life style choices. These are impressive accomplishments.