Prioritize unplugged activities over recreational screen time
The lazy days of summer can lead to lazy hours staring at digital devices. But experts say it’s vital to provide plenty of healthy screen-free time during the summer.
Encourage your child to:- Be the entertainment. Instead of watching a show, encourage your child to star in one. Have your child choose an exciting story line and act it out with friends or stuffed animals.
- Play classic games. Fill a bucket with traditional summer toys, such as sidewalk chalk, balls, bubbles and water sprayers. When the weather is right, have your child take it outside for hours of fun.
- Be a mad scientist. Go online to find simple science experiments to conduct together.
- Plan a treasure hunt. Hide several clues, with each one leading to the next. The last clue should lead to a treasure, such as a yummy snack or a fun activity.
- Create a masterpiece. Gather supplies such as glue, construction paper, fabric, yarn, washable markers and paint. Ask your child to create something.
Reprinted with permission from the May 2023 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2023 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.