Screens: Our Arch Nemesis
“I had a life once… now I have a computer.”
Does this quote ring true for you? I often find myself identifying with this sentiment, sometimes multiple times a day. I fondly reminisce about the summers of my childhood, when I was my own company (the kids I played with had different vacation schedules, and both my parents worked full-time), and had long days to fill. It was then that my creativity bloomed! Tinkering with our two old analog tape recorders, I created my own version of a karaoke machine and recorded several cassettes of songs, complete with hand-drawn covers and labels! Other days would be spent making elaborate cards for friends and family, teaching my softies to ‘write’ and giving them each their signature, practicing calligraphy that I had picked up from my classmates, riding my bike to a small French class in the neighborhood and learning it because I wanted to, reading the couple of Famous Five books I owned for the 25th time(!), hanging upside down from the couch, and writing poetry in different languages…cliched as it may sound, those were truly the days!
I wonder what moments and experiences I would have been nostalgic about if I had the same access to screens and social media as today's kids. Surely, reels, endless scrolling, umpteen unseen ‘followers’ or TikTok videos wouldn’t make for many sweet memories?
That’s why one of the prerequisites for raising Children of AWE is to eliminate screens altogether. Yes, no iPads, cellphones, laptops, video games, or any other digital devices for the kids. I highly recommend eliminating the television and switching to a projector instead. We love our weekly family movie nights with the projector!
I understand this might seem challenging and definitely out of the ordinary, but hear me out: the real world offers plenty of entertainment and distraction if we take a moment to notice. And if you have screens as an option or a backup, trust me, they will not be an option or backup - it’s like loading our pantry with chocolates and other sweet treats when on a diet. How long will you be able to resist them?
Instead, create an environment of AWE and marvel at your kids happily engaging themselves. It doesn’t take much, but it does take some investment in things like the following:
A few, high-quality, long-lasting, open-ended toys.
Lots of books! (Use your library card or buy second-hand)
Access to some nature: can be a few indoor plants, a tree outside your window(!), a garden, a neighborhood park, visits to national parks/lakes, hikes, etc. Any access to nature is a good start.
Involvement in daily life activities, such as cooking, cleaning, conversations, planning (for meals or parties), baking, grocery shopping, etc. If you have any hobbies or do hands-on work, involve them!
Slow and intentional travel (optional, but highly recommended if feasible)
A couple of board/games that the whole family enjoys.
Some good, clean, inspiring, preferably multi-cultural movies/documentaries for family movie nights.
Open and honest discussions about the addictive, disruptive, and harmful effects of screens.
Having at least one meal together as a family.
Good art supplies and an openness to accept some messiness!
Not having screens as an option.
Having a couple of like-minded friends also helps immensely, as you can cheer each other on and encourage one another on this road less traveled.
And most importantly, love and nurture by at least one enthusiastic and involved adult whose spirit of AWE is very much alive!
Not too bad, huh? I promise you that if you stay committed to raising a screen-free child, you can soon embark on very enjoyable 10-hour-long road trips without screens, complaints, or groaning. How’s that for a cherry on top? 😃
