Encouraging Family Time in a Digital World

With all the technology that makes our lives easier, it seems like we should have more family time than ever before. Unfortunately, even when families are physically together today, they’re often plugged in to their individual phones or devices. Face-to-face conversations and family recreational activities are hard to come by.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, there are things you can do today to encourage family time in a digital world.

The Phone Bucket

When you sit down to dinner, ask everyone in the family to put their phones in a bucket or basket for the duration of the meal. This might be a little uncomfortable at first, and you might get some backlash from the kids. But soon you’ll all start talking and enjoying each other’s company. Use family mealtimes to reconnect, talk about your days, and focus on one another.

A Great Example

When parents are attached to their phones and laptops around the clock, children inevitably follow. Set a good example for your kids by limiting your own screen time. Develop your own self-imposed boundaries regarding time with digital devices. For example, you might want to turn off your phone at key points in the day when you’d like your family to be more connected to each other.

Old-fashioned Board Games

Pull everyone away from their video games and social media and introduce them to the board games you played as a child. Don’t give up if your kids don’t get hooked on the first game you try; there are lots of new board games out there. Make some treats, and set aside a night each week for family game night.

The Great Outdoors

Participating in outdoor adventures, even if it’s just a game of catch in the backyard, helps kids to get away from the addictive allure of the digital world. It doesn’t hurt their parents either. Australians aren’t getting enough fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity, and when you spend time outdoors with your family, the benefits really add up. Try going for a walk or a hike, playing ball games, or packing a picnic.

Reading Together

Your children don’t have to be small to enjoy reading together. Reading aloud on the front porch or in the kitchen while part of the family washes the dishes can be an enjoyable family activity. Attention spans are shortening as a result of the digital world, but when you dive into a good book, you help stretch your memory and cognitive abilities, and you have so much to talk about with your children. 

What does your family like to do together? How have you helped your children to resist the lures of the digital world? Leave your comments below.