It’s time to reconnect with your family and spend more time together without being distracted by phones. Here are some tips to help you unplug and get back to being truly “together” – it’s time for a digital detox!
Think back to your favorite childhood activities. You probably remember riding your bike around the neighborhood, playing at a friend’s house, or watching Saturday morning cartoons. What about your kids? What do they enjoy doing most?
If texting friends or playing smartphone games has replaced hanging out at their house or playing outside, it might be time for a digital detox for the whole family.
While technology has its benefits, constantly having it around can be exhausting. If everyone is stuck on their devices during dinner, real relationships can suffer. Though it’s important for kids to be tech-savvy, it shouldn’t come at the cost of healthy relationships. A digital detox can boost their social skills, help them love nature, foster empathy and communication, and bring the family closer together.
Unplugging the family allows you to return to simpler times when families sat around the dinner table talking or spent Sunday afternoons doing fun activities together. Disconnecting from the 24/7 news and social media can also lessen feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness.
By unplugging, you help your kids develop self-sufficiency. With less focus on social media, they can enjoy activities without feeling the need to document everything on Instagram or Snapchat, allowing them to experience life more genuinely.
To make digital-free time successful, set clear rules in advance. You might keep a cellphone nearby for emergencies but powered off, or perhaps lock all phones away for the trip or agree to power down together.
Older kids might initially resist feeling disconnected from their friends, so explain why a family digital detox is important. Like starting a new diet, it can be tough for teens to be without their phones at first. They might complain or withdraw, but planning fun activities can help improve their mood and eventually get them to enjoy their time offline.
Consider unplugging during a vacation to create bonds through new experiences. Choose a peaceful, family-friendly spot like a forested area with streams, lakes, and mountains.
Fill your vacation with fun activities suitable for all ages. Swimming is always enjoyable, and young kids can play by the lakeshore or wade in the water. Bird watching or fishing can bring everyone together and help your kids appreciate nature. Hold friendly competitions like spotting the most birds or catching the most fish in an afternoon.
If you’re new to fishing, rent a guide for a family fishing lesson. Learning new skills together is always fun. When your kids catch a fish and have it for dinner, they’ll feel a pride that digital games can’t match.
Balance relaxing activities with exercise to counteract screen time. Go for a mountain hike to enjoy stunning views, or take a canoe or kayak trip for a sense of adventure as you paddle to an island or down a river.
In the evening, watch the sunset over the mountains, tell spooky stories around a campfire, or stargaze and enjoy nature’s beauty.
After your trip, consider having a monthly (or weekly) unplugged day where you connect as a family. You could host a board game night, visit a museum, go for a bike ride or hike, or spend time with family friends or grandparents.
When you put down the screens, you make time for all the other things you used to do as a family. Soon, your kids might have their own ideas for the next family digital detox. Have you tried a digital detox before? How was it for you?
