How to Get Kids to Unplug in the Great Outdoors
published on Parenting
Get your kids and teens engaged with nature and not their screens by offering them enticing age-appropriate outdoor activities.
When the school year comes to a close and summer starts, parents everywhere wonder, “How do I get my kids to go outside and play more?” Whether your child has a Minecraft obsession or is a teen texter extraordinaire, getting our offspring to put down the iPads, cell phones, and other gadgets to engage with nature and the other humans in their families can be a frustrating experience, to say the least.
“It’s so important for parents to get that quality time with their children and each other,” says Jennifer Ludovice, spokesperson for Thousand Trails and Encore properties’ campgrounds and RV parks with resort-style amenities. “We see the benefits of families unplugging together at our campgrounds and resorts every day. Putting away the cell phone gives families a chance to re-engage.”
There may be some initial whining and complaining about “roughing it” without screens, but children can be convinced to unplug when presented with the right alternate activities.
“The key is choosing the right destination,” Ludovice says. “You won’t have much luck convincing children to put away the gadgets if there aren’t other activities waiting for them when they get there.”