We recently took a family trip (all six of us - two teens and four adults) for four glorious days up to the mountains. It became increasing clear to all of us that technology had become a part of everyone's life. We had six cell phones (Smart phones, Blackberry, and various cellular phones), one Kindle Fire, two iPods, two laptops, and a DVD player. As convenient as it was to have so much technology, it was also a little distracting. We decided to gather the electronics, turn them off, and spend time together since we had all made the effort to travel to a beautiful place and enjoy each other's company.
What did we do instead?
- Prepared and devoured loads of great food, with every person taking responsibility for planning at least one meal.
- Long walks together in the beautiful surroundings.
- Board games and card games.
- Hobbies of various sorts. Amanda and I worked on a crocheting project. The boys were reading and discussing magazine articles. Mr. B entertained us with his juggling skills. We worked a puzzle together.
We are making tech-free time a new part of our weekly routine now that we are home and back to our regular schedules. I have to admit that even for my husband and I it is difficult to turn it all off. Our teens give us a really hard time about being tied to our electronics. My new Kindle Fire is awesome and it is easy to spend too much time staring at a screen when I still have two interesting fun teens around to enjoy. There is a time and a place for electronics, but there is no replacement for good old family fun for making lasting memories and building up family ties.
Can you go tech-free with your teens for part of the week?
I challenge you.
You are welcome to download and save the printable sign above for your family's use. I post our sign on the refrigerator on our agreed upon day and then everyone remembers to look forward to Tech-Free Family Night.
5 comments:
We've been doing two hours each night of no technology. (Except we occasionally watch a movie all together during that time, but no phones or computer, etc.) But at 9:01, when time is up, our teen runs to her phone & stays on til she has to be off for the night. So I've been thinking maybe one entirely tech-free night per week might be better. Either way, it's definitely a good thing because it's far too easy to be distracted by nifty electronics when there are family members right there with us to enjoy!
I love this idea and thank you for the printable! We have time restrictions built into the electronics around here for the children/teens. A habit we started long ago with the parental controls software we use.
This is great to keep in mind as head into holiday break with more free time and chance to be with family. Printing...
I absolutely LOVE going tech-free. LOVE. it.
It's such a relief. I'm always glad to eventually catch up with my online responsibilities, but I love how much time I have to get things done when I'm not distracted w/ things online. I can waste so much time!
I think I would even like purposefully going all the way unplugged and read only from real books as opposed to kindles occasionally. Just because :)
We don't really have to coordinate a tech-free night yet because we only have one computer and the kindles are used pretty much only for school (except for mine, which I only have time to read in the morning and at night in bed). It probably will happen someday though. And it's a good idea ;)
amy in peru
We slipped into the electronic age quietly as the children have all grown up and become more independent. Our youngest got a cell phone this past summer when he started to drive and was gone with friends more than in the past. The older ones have just naturally grown into tech users and I just recently got the Kindle. My husband uses his technology as part of his job so it is always attached to him in some way. Tech-free is a challenge.
Just visiting to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. All the best home school and art wishes for 2012!
Cheers, Paula
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