Fun Activities for Kids That Don't Involve Screens
By Paul Rothbart
Technology has placed all kinds of screens at our fingertips. Television has been an entertainment staple in homes for decades. It's fairly easy to control how much time your children spend watching TV. Now, there are computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Smaller screens are everywhere including in the hands of your kids. It's a simple way to keep your children entertained for hours. The problem is that all of the screen time is not good for them. Studies have linked too much time on electronic devices to learning and behavioral problems as well as childhood obesity. The solution is not difficult. Take a page from the school and provide your kids with non-screen activities.
Reading
Reading is one of the best activities for anyone, regardless of age. Children learn from books. Reading can increase creativity, awareness of other cultures, and develop into a lifelong habit that will serve your kids well. It is tempting to use a Kindle or other electronic device, but that defeats the purpose. Introduce your children to actual paper books. Let them experience the tactile sensation of holding the weight of a book and turning pages. Research has shown that reading paper books can improve comprehension and retention of information.
Coloring
Coloring books have been around for a long time for a good reason. Kids find them to be fun and they enhance creativity and allow children to express themselves artistically. They don't have to be great at drawing to color in the pictures. Crayons and coloring books are inexpensive but can supply hours of healthy fun. Stimulating their imaginations can help children learn better in school as well.
Playing Sports
Playing sports, on a field or court and not on a gaming console, is a fun activity that has many benefits for kids. It provides exercise for growing bodies and strategies can stimulate young minds. Children learn the benefit of teamwork, winning and losing with dignity, and how to compete in a healthy manner. It doesn't matter what the sport is and your children don't have to be stars. They will have fun without a screen and playing sports will boost their development.
Children usually have plenty of energy to expend and often get bored. Sitting a child in front of a screen every time they need something to do is detrimental to their development. Get them away from those screens and let them have fun with classic activities. You'll be doing them a huge favor by helping them become healthy, well-adjusted adults.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Naples, Fla.