Family Time Without TV and Technology
Turning off Multi-media Toys can Bring Quality Time into the Home
This idea seems very simple, but it is well-known that when you try to separate a child (of any age) from their multi-media toys withdrawal and resentment can flare up.
In today's technology culture, it is not enough to say that there will be a day or two each week without TV. A computer can be "watched" like a TV - as can iPods, cell phones, and many other gadgets. Turning off the TV won't automatically ensure more quality family time. To reap the benefits of going technology-free, a family needs to pull the plug on all of the multi-media toys.
Family Agreement to Pull the Plug on Multi-media Toys
Proactive steps can ensure family agreement on TV and technology free days:
- In order for TV and technology free days to work, the entire family has to get on board with the idea - especially the adults. If the children sense weakness on the part of the adults, the plan may be doomed.
- There needs to be a family meeting to explain the plan and why it is happening. The plan must be portrayed as something that will be beneficial to the whole group. It must not be seen as a punishment.
- The plan can be presented as freeing up time to pursue other family activities - taking a break to flex other mental and emotional muscles.
Choosing which Days to Go TV and Technology Free
The family must come to an agreement on which days are best for them to go TV and technology free. They must also decide what the parameters of the agreement are. For example, can cell phones still be carried, but used only as necessary or for work-related purposes? Will the computer still be used for work-related purposes?
The following tips can help with the adjustment:
- There could be a fun penalty for anyone caught breaking the rules - something like taking on extra chores. However, there needs to be some kind of reminder on the chosen days to get everyone started equally in the morning, until the routine is established.
- In the beginning, the family may opt to choose only one day per week to start off. This may be necessary to work out the bugs and ease everyone into the idea. The family may find out that all of the hype about technology addiction is not a joke, or something that happens to "other people." If it becomes very stressful, the family can choose half days, until everyone adjusts.
- When the family has become comfortable with the idea, the two days per week can be decided on. It is best to choose two days that are far apart - for example, Sunday and Wednesday. This gives everyone time between the TV and technology free days to recover from the withdrawal, especially in the beginning.
Plan Activities to Replace the Multi-media Toys
It won't do to have the family sitting around the family room staring at the blank TV screen. This would tax even the strongest willpower. Make alternative plans:
- Plan outings or activities that will be a welcome replacement. Things that get the family talking and sharing would be ideal.
- Taking on a family project can be a good idea. Everyone could pitch in, clean out the garage, and have a yard sale!
- The family could also use any extra time they free up to plan and carry out some charity work.
- Families that are interested, could plan some extra devotion or prayer time. This will also help with stress.
When the two TV and technology free days have been well-established, the family will see that having a balanced lifestyle allows for more quality family time.
For family devotion time see Family Morning Devotion, Create Daily Family Devotion Time and Devotion on The Lord's Prayer.
Plan Family TV and Technology Free Days
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