Ditched tablets for outdoor time and it's been weird

Dec 221 min read

So we did a whole "summer of no screens" experiment because I read some article about outdoor play being better for development (eye strain, posture, etc) and honestly? My 6 and 8yr old are SO much bored now. We're at the park constantly. But also they're actually playing together instead of sitting silently on devices and I've noticed they're sleeping better. It's exhausting for me though. Might not be sustainable year-round but so far not regretting it.

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Comments(11)

VVic H.RegularDec 23

The summer of no screens actually works when you commit to it. We did the same thing and yeah, the boredom phase lasts like a week, then they find actual shit to do. Eye strain thing is real too

HHugh S.RegularDec 25

The "so much bored" phase is temporary though. My 6yo complained constantly the first week then discovered he actually likes building with sticks. Now he doesn't ask for a tablet

PPete A.RegularDec 23

Posture and eye strain are real concerns but honestly the biggest win for us was just the MOOD improvement. My kids are less irritable, sleep better, and actually eat dinner without fighting

PPatrick W.RegularDec 24

This is the move. My kids are 7 and 9 and I limited screens last summer and the creativity level went UP. They're building stuff, riding bikes, actually playing together instead of sitting in the same room ignoring each other

SSteve C.RegularDec 24

Curious how long you're planning to keep this up? We tried it for summer but slowly drifted back once school started. The intention was good but the execution was hard

DDrew H.RegularDec 24

We did something similar and yeah the first like 2 weeks they were bored out of their minds but then they started actually playing with their toys again instead of just passively watching. Way different vibe.

GGabe R.RegularDec 24

Wait did your post cut off mid-sentence? You said they're SO much... SO much what? Now I'm invested lol

MMark A.RegularDec 25

The eye strain thing is legit but honestly the bigger thing we noticed was they stopped asking for snacks constantly when they weren't watching food content. Weird connection but real.

MMike F.RegularDec 24

Our 7yo asked for a book the other day without being prompted. A BOOK. I was like who are you and what did you do with my child but also it was kind of beautiful.

EEli L.RegularDec 24

Curious how long you're planning to keep it up? Because I feel like the benefit is real but also like... sometimes screens are good. Movie night with the family hits different.

GGrant C.RegularDec 22

Did the boredom phase ever end or is that just permanent now lol