Screen time alternatives during a pandemic?
Don’t make me laugh!
Let’s face it – the Covid-19 Pandemic did not always bring out the proudest parenting moments for most of us.
Sure, we were heroes who lost sleep, work time, and our sanity trying to keep our kids entertained and somewhat educated while staying home.
But if your house was like mine, rules started to slowly (OK quickly) go out the window by day 4 of lockdown.
Screen time was always an important point of structure in my home. I knew that time in front of a TV, computer or phone can stunt creativity, impact social skills and even lead to obesity.
So knowing all of these facts, what was the rule I chose to ignore the first chance I got? You guessed it! Screen time. Sure, I had some good excuses. I felt sad for my kids and scared of what was happening worldwide.
And if I’m going, to be honest, I never thought it would go on as long as it did. (Ignoring the rules for 2 weeks wouldn’t hurt anything). And besides all of that, how was I supposed to worry about alternatives to screen time when I had a Zoom Meeting in my kitchen in ten minutes?
The good news is that the world is getting back to normal. The bad news is our kids have spent two years in some self-admitted chaos that was so easily remedied by a movie. For children at preschool age and younger, this accounts for most, if not all of their lives.
You don’t need to be overwhelmed by the idea of reversing the results of some desperate parenting decisions. It’s time to go back to basics with these 5 alternatives to screen time that will keep your child engaged long enough to make that work call or eat a sandwich – and they cost almost nothing.
Screen Time Alternative 1. The Not-So-Hidden Treasure Box
All human beings (including children) become quickly bored with something we see all the time. Why do you think we have a house filled with gadgets that nobody touches? Because we walk by them so many times a day that they become invisible.
The first step in finding activities that are more enticing than screen time for a child is to create a novel experience.
Find a very large plastic or cardboard box. Let your child know that it is their treasure box and have them help you decorate it. Tell them you are putting surprises in there for them. Leave them wondering and hoping for the chance to open it one day.
2. Giant Paper Roll
This has always been a go-to of mine. The first thing you can put in the treasure box is a giant roll of paper and lots of crayons or markers.
At first glance it may just look like blank paper, but once you unroll that paper on your kitchen floor it becomes a window into a million stories. With that much surface area, they can create a city, a zoo, or even a day at the beach.
If you have a toddler, you may need to get them started with a skyscraper or a farmhouse. Then walk away and watch them bring it to life. The story they create in their imagination will be far more entertaining that a youtube channel.
Screen Time Alternative 3. Sticky Paper Art
Next thing to go into the treasure box is sticky paper and as many random craft supplies as you can find at your local store. Pom poms, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and popsicle sticks are a great start.
To turn it into an adventure worthy of an alternative to screen time, have your child search for other supplies like leaves, shells or even sand.
Set up a space where your child can spread everything out and have them create on sticky paper. I love this idea because the killer of any sense of order (glue) is not involved and the art project stays contained. When they are done you can even display it.
4. Cardboard Box Fort
I am not exaggerating when I say that a giant cardboard box literally brought hours of time away from the television for my kids. And if I was able to find a few boxes at once it could be days.
Disclaimer – you have to be willing to give up a large area of space and you have to think ahead to collect the boxes. Oh, and if you are willing to cut out a few windows you can win ‘parent of the year.’
Once you take care of all of that, you are home free. Take out the boxes, supply markers, crayons, stickers, and maybe some blankets and pillows and your child will create a city built on an imagination that no amount of screen time could compete with.
Screen Time Alternative 5. Special Books
You probably already have a bookshelf filled with children’s books in your child’s room. But just like the toys in the playroom, those books are never going to beat out screen time for their attention.
Instead, take a weekly trip to the library. Make going there as much of an adventure as the books themselves. If they are old enough, get them a library card.
When you get there, try not to control the experience but, instead, let them explore and touch the books. Then check out as many books as the library allows
Following the rule that too much exposure will bore them, put the books out of reach in the treasure box. When wishes for screen time come calling, pull them out and let them enjoy.
Screen Time Alternatives Can Be Your Adventure Too
I don’t know if there is a parent on the planet who hasn’t resorted to screen time as an instant babysitter from time to time. The most well-intentioned of us get tired, bored, or just plain busy.
These inexpensive screen time alternatives are not only a great way to keep your child engaged in creative activities. You may find yourself wanting to join in on the fun yourself. Of course, after you eat your sandwich!