Tried the "no phones while camping" rule and it backfired

Jan 20·1 min read

Thought it would be great for family bonding. Brought the kids ages 7, 10, and 12 for a long weekend. No screens, just nature time. Turns out my oldest was BORED and my 7yo got anxious not having his usual wind-down time with screen stuff. We lasted till Sunday afternoon before I caved and let them have limited access. I think I was trying to be that "perfect outdoorsy dad" instead of just... letting it be what it is. Anyone else struggle with this or nah?

5 comments120 views

Comments(5)

JJoseNew DadJan 21

The no phones while camping rule is good in theory but only if you replace it with actual activities that keep them engaged. Hiking, fishing, card games, campfire stuff. You can't just remove screens and expect them to be fine.

VVictor M.New DadJan 21

Honestly with a 7, 10, and 12 year old you're asking a lot if you completely cut off screens. The 12yo is gonna rebel hard on that one. Compromise might be better like screens after 8pm or something.

MMitch R.RegularJan 21

I tried the same thing and my kids were miserable. They're not old enough to just be content with nature yet. Now we do a compromise where they get one hour of screen time at night after everything else is done.

CChris F.RegularJan 22

Yeah the no phones rule backfired because now they're just bored and cranky instead of present. Kids that age still need some screen time to decompress, especially on a camping trip. Maybe limit it instead of full ban?

MMason K.New DadJan 23

How old were your kids when you expected them to enjoy a full weekend without phones? That's pretty ambitious for that age range, especially the 12 year old who's probably in that phase where their friends are everything.