A quiet little revolution has been happening at my place since the turn of the new year and quiet is the operative word. We are completely screen free from Sunday until Thursday each and every week. The only exception to the rule is computer work for parents or using the computer to put music on the Sonos system. Everything else is switched off.
It’s been the most marvellous thing for my children’s relationships with each other. Not to say that they haven’t always played well, but just that they’ve never been allowed to get bored enough to really let their imaginations mesh. These days they are creating and inventing and mastering daring things together.
Even though we’ve never had a lot of screen time in an average day, I’d still say the kids are outside at least twice as much as they used to be. We’ve also dusted off board games and rediscovered things like jacks, hopscotch, marbles and fly (remember fly?). I don’t know what it is about restricting the screens, but kids suddenly revert to a timeless childhood. Max made a slingshot the other day – a slingshot! – and (mostly thanks to that lovely movie Paper Planes) flying paper planes off the top balcony is all the rage at our place. Cappers has even requested a go kart for her birthday. 1967 is alive and well at my place.
Other things that had me this week:
Reading – Finishing up The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides. He’s exceptional.
Writing – still writing War and Peace. It’s ‘cos I say I’m writing it but I’ve barely even started.
Making – chocolate playdough for Kidspot and OMG it is divine. I plan to carry a little bit with me wherever I go for aromatherapy purposes.
Wishing – Sneh’s kitchen was my kitchen.
Loving – this. It’s keeping me motivated.
Wondering – how to get more man in my life.
Visit Em Hawker for some smart, savvy, straight talk. Em has a lovely library vibe about her – a dependable deep thinker with boundless resources and heaps and heaps of great reads. Be sure to pop over and say hi!
Happy reading.
x
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Amy @ HandbagMafia says
Wow, that’s awesome! I don’t know how I’d do it but a screen free day (at least) is on the cards here!
Maxabella says
Screen free Sunday’s have been an institution at ours for years, Amy. Start there! It’s really worth it. x
Amy @ HandbagMafia says
Excellent idea to start out!
Alyson says
I totally take my hat off to you…my kids were big when screens became so ubiquitous (big word for three champagnes eh 😉 ) even they comment when they see littlies so deftly operating iPads in supermarket trolleys. I think this is a great solution, my kids always loved the pen and paper game ‘Squares’ and that thrilled me. Now they flog my butt, not so thrilled #stillthrilled
Maxabella says
I totally forgot about Squares! Thanks for the reminder!! x
Jodi Gibson (JF Gibson Writer) says
That’s an amazing commitment. We’ve always made a point of limiting screen time, but last year we got even more strict on it. Now we don’t have set rules but the kids also now choose to do other things and don’t really ask to watch TV that much at all. At max they would have half and hour a day during the week and maybe an hour on the weekends, unless we are watching a movie together or something like that.
Maxabella says
I’m hoping that eventually we will get to this point, Jodi. It’s the goal. To be honest, my girls have never been that fussed by screens, so we are all doing this for THE BOY. And probably his mumma. x
Christine Knight says
Excellent idea and wonderful results. I instituted a no screen ban for my preschooler to motivate her to get 100% potty trained. Not so much helpful getting her pooing in the right place, but successful in that she doesn’t even ask for the TV or iPad most of the time, and is rediscovering Playdoh, puzzles and craft sets. It’s awesome!
Maxabella says
It’s magic! Except for the poo thing… x
Raychael aka Mystery Case says
I need to do the same thing but with books. My girls (13, 15 & 16) are book mad. Probably not as bad as excessive screen time but still rather anti social.
I’ve been attempting to be social media free most weekends. Some weekends are easier than others and I really enjoy my time offline that I struggle to fall back into the social media swing of things when I return.
Maxabella says
It’s amazing how good it is to switch off, Raych. I honestly can’t believe how much I like it. x
Emily says
Thank you so much for having me! And for your lovely words. HOORAY for alliteration!
And sorry, but no, I don’t remember it. What is fly? x
Maxabella says
The stick game? With the sticks? And the sticks? Basically it’s leaping between sticks. Or ‘flying’ one supposes… you never played it? x
Helen K says
Screen free in this house too – just the enforcement is a bit haphazard. We’re working on it! And same images (at least in the wording) in my post on ‘all the small things’ – great minds think alike! Enjoy the weekend x
Maxabella says
We do think alike, it’s true… 🙂
jennifer says
Oh I am crushing on her kitchen also. Ironically I had an appointment booked witg the good guys kitchens this evening. I finished work early, cleaned the house, cooked earlier and hubby came home early especially (because apparantly tradies prefer it if hubby is home, as though it is their decision pftt) so all the stars aligned, and they called to cancel. Such a shame! Ive been looking forward to the appointment for a month- its what got me through the final leg of the school holidays ha!
And ditto the screen time. Must invest in a handball and teach the kids how it’s really played 😉
Maxabella says
Darn those not-very-Good Guys! Don’t they know that when they cancel a kitchen appointment, they are cancelling a dream?!?! Hope you get one just like Sneh’s very soon… x
Lydia C Lee says
Good for you! We had that awhile but some how it creeped back in…I hope you keep it up!
Maxabella says
We love it so far, so motivation is strong to keep it up. Even the kids love it!!! Did not expect that. x
Erin says
Well Bron, you’ve done it now! You’ve inspired me, just cracked down on all the kids, tossed them of the computers and wrote up new stringent rules and plan to enforce. Actually I’d already done a ranty today but now I’m doing it. (You’ll be pleased to know I didn’t blame you:)
Maxabella says
Oh thank god – I like those kids of yours and do not want to be the mean friend!!! BUT we really have found a peace and resourcefulness here that makes the early days of whinge so worthwhile. I will do a post on how we made it work soon! x
Erin says
Update- great success by 2nd day’s end:) I’ll have to do a post too. And yes you first have to live through up to three days of pain.
Maxabella says
Fab news! I had a feeling it wouldn’t be too hard to introduce at your place, Erin. x
Zanni Louise says
I love this. We are heading further and further away from screen time with the kids. So lovely. And board games are big in my house too! x
Maxabella says
I think we book lovers find it an easier thing to do, Zanni. x
Kylie Purtell - A Study in Contradictions says
We’ve bene mostly screen free the last couple of days for the girls and they haven’t even noticed. Punky did ask if she could watch a movie during quiet time today, and I was going to let her but I told her after I’d had a shower and we’d read a book then we’d see. In the end she just wanted to read and then play in her bedroom with her dolls and the doll house. It really helps too that Zee is getting to the age where she is starting to play with Punky a little more rather than just trying to rip the toys from her hands, and hearing the laughter coming from the bedroom while they are playing is pretty much the best sound of my life right now!
Maxabella says
That’s definitely the best sound in the world. I’ve always said that the nicest bit of parenting is watching the children become brothers and sisters. x
di @ lime&soda says
We’re in the teen years now…and screen free is getting harder. Love that your family is getting back to basics. So refreshing.
Maxabella says
I already know that it’s now or never. Max will be a complete computer vampire by the time he hits his teens. The force is strong in that one, Di!!! x
Mother Down Under says
How do you keep kids from eating chocolate play dough? I know my little guy would have a taste!
Our screen time has increased exponentially since Lyddie arrived on the scene. I am not beating myself up about it as somedays the only way I can get her down to sleep is to put the TV on so Charlie stays in one place and is quiet. We never used to watch tv much at all…and I must admit I am looking forward to returning to those days.
Maxabella says
The TV can be a huge helped when the kids are small, Caitlin. I doubt I would have given it up so readily in those days either. It might only have been on a half hour a day, but that half hour was crucial to keeping me sane!!!
The chocolate play dough tastes revolting (as cream of tartar does!), but even if they went for it, it’s all natural so I wouldn’t mind. I know it tastes disgusting ‘cos I couldn’t resist a little nibble myself… x
Caitlin says
Hooray for the 60’s! A screen free day is always a good day! Having four boys, it’s screens are something we are very conscious of at our place. It’s amazing if we slack off how the behaviour rapidly deteriorates.
Ironically. Before I finished writing this, my son just came in to petition for a wii because he had a playdate this afternoon and saw his best friend has one. Still staying strong here. Much to his chagrin.
Maxabella says
You’re a brave mumma to go screen free with four boys, Caitlin. Boys seem to be deeply, deeply in love with their screens. It’s genetic, I think. Girls are much less enamoured.
With four boys you have no doubt heard of both of these blogs, but I thought I’d share them anyway:
http://frugalfun4boys.com/ and http://allfortheboys.com/
All For The Boys is particularly awesome. x
Bec @ The Plumbette says
I notice my girls creativity so much when the tv is turned off. Last week Esther built a piano using Duplo. I couldn’t believe how much it looked like a piano. I find my girls enjoy each other’s company too when the tv isn’t on. We’ve indulged a bit in the last year or so with tv and Ipads just to save my sanity being pregnant and then with a baby. It’s lovely to read what your kids are doing Bron. x
Maxabella says
In the early days at day’s end the television can be the difference between a sane mumma and a crazy mumma. As they get a little older and more resourceful, bringing them back to fully rely their own imaginations can be a true gift. x
ally says
Never heard of fly either!
We’re doing lots of outdoor play too – so easy at this time of year – gets harder in those shorter,colder times!
We love squares, we had a holiday jigsaw on the go at all times and lots of card games (uno and cheat)
NO set screen times rules here yet!
Maxabella says
Squares is one we love too, Ally. I made a squares game for Kidspot that I am going to repub over here in the next couple of weeks. We have never quite gotten into jigsaws, but that’s definitely one to bring out on cold winter screen free nights!! x
Vicki @ Knocked Up and Abroad says
I love this no screen rule and the results sound very pleasing!
Maxabella says
The results are outta-this-world amazing, Vicki. x
Sandra Kelly says
Oh WOW! That kitchen! Amazing how you actually get more done online with less screen time – if you catch my drift!
Maxabella says
I definitely do, Sandra. So much pfaffing when you have all the time in the world… at least, that’s the case for me! x
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
No screen time is such a wonderful idea. I’ve been in a pickle the past few weeks – our big boy has started kinder and engages in ‘educational screen time’ for part of the day. He know wants to ‘play with the pad’ when he is at home which I’m kind of uncomfortable about. We’ve never consciously made the decision to keep the boys away from screens, there just seems to be a lot more ‘fun’ things a three and one year old could be doing. When I mentioned it to his teachers, their response was he needs to learn how to use these devices before he gets to school – yikes!
I was nodding along with all of your kids games until I got to fly – off to ‘google’ it now 😉
Maxabella says
I do think that a balance is necessary as technology is the way forward for life. I’d never ban screens outright and the kids can still use the computer for homework (yes, they have homework on the computer!). Fridays and Saturdays are a bit of a free for all on screens, but I have found that they are choosing screens less and less even on screen days. Well, the girls are anyway!! x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
We rediscovered the fun of board games and puzzles over the holidays, and lots of beach walking. Good for all of us.
How totally beautiful is Sneh’s kitchen? Those lights!
I’m looking forward to War & Peace, Bron.
Have a gorgeous weekend x
Maxabella says
I’m going to model my kitchen reno on Sneh’s, I think. I just can’t stop popping over to look at it! x
Julie says
I cheat, I allow Jarvis a movie, just one a day. It is the only way I can get my sewing done. Otherwise he wants to help. I also cheat when I have my grandson. I have no idea how Mums with toddlers and babies, get one to sleep while the other is up. Any hints?
Maxabella says
A movie a day never hurt anyone, surely? Having a peaceful mumma/ grandmumma is more important than worrying about a movie, I reckon. It’s all about balance in the end.
My only tip for sleeping is that while the kids were young and one of them was still in nap mode, we ALL had a ‘nap’ at naptime. I read, Max played on his bed, Arabella played on her bed and Lottie had a nap. x
Kate @ From Katie to Kate says
Fly? I don’t know that one. We had a long time with a tv antenna not working and it was the best thing ever! The kids never got back into watching tv even after we got it working again. Oh, the good old days …
Maxabella says
I made a ‘fly’ post just to show everyone how it’s done, hope you like it, Kate. x
Natalie @ OurParallelConnection says
Now that makes me nervous. No screen time. I am constantly flicking between phone, mac, iPad… and yes all (or most) work related, but I need time away from kids… so they can have they screen time. I think its great but I am too scared to introduce that into my house.
Maxabella says
It did feel scary, Natalie and on day one I swear I missed it more than the kids BUT… we got there in the end. I am going to write a post about how it all went down, so stand by. You can do it (if you want!). x
Kristy @ Loulouzoo says
Wow Bron I absolutely love this idea. Like you, we don’t watch a heap of TV but when it is on it completely shuts down anyone’s desire to do anything else! Kids & adults alike. Thank you x
Maxabella says
It’s such a time suck! You realise how unproductive television time actually is. It’s great SOMETIMES, but not EVERY TIME! x
Nicole - Champagne and Chips says
Gosh I delight in your photos of Cappers. What a free spirit you have there.
That lack of screen time sounds magical. I can’t remember being like that, except of course I was like that.
Maxabella says
My kids are all a bit crazy, Nicole. Reining them in to have their photo taken in the first place has always been my biggest problem. x
Lisa says
Love this idea…I had a 1967 lifestyle when I grew up in the 80’s…no tv during the week and everyone in my family (parents & siblings) all still read…I think the world went a little over the top with all those plasma/huge wall tv’s…
Maxabella says
I agree, Lisa. We almost have to artificially recreate a quieter time to allow our kids to lead the way. I want them to innovate, not vegetate!! x
Kathy says
That is so lovely to hear about the screen time freedom, imagination and even sibling love in your household. We’ve started with a rule of only two day during the week when they can have screens, plus the weekend, but maybe I can cut back further. Hubby took the kids to Paper Planes but I had to work – they loved it too.
Maxabella says
I missed seeing Paper Planes too, but I’ll be lining up when it’s out on DVD. It seems like a gorgeous little kids’ film (and I love kids’ films!).
I think with the screen thing, you’ve just got to find what works for your family. It was easier for us to have one weekday and one weekend day on the screens, but more or less might suit you better. x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
Love the idea of being screen free – no children at our place but hubster and I could both do with some time away from a screen. I went to a cafe today and saw a sign that said something like, “no, we don’t have free wi-fi, so you can talk to each other instead!” Love it! Hope you have an excellent weekend. Me, I’ll be dreaming of a weekend in Paris and a swanky kitchen…
Maxabella says
That’s a great sign, Sammie. Take a pic next time you’re in the cafe!! x
Amanda says
We have very limited screen time here too… it’s better for everyone and I too find my girls play better. I’ve only just rediscovered your posts Bron… you hadn’t appeared in my feed for a long while, and then I just discovered incidentally that you’re at a new blog address!! Have promptly added your new URL to my list and am looking forward to a catch up on what’s been happening over your way xx
Maxabella says
It’s so nice to see you!!! Hello!!! I am also missing my blog roll, Amanda. It was my ‘blog feed’ and now I have only my memory which is dreadful. x
Sonia from Sonia Styling says
That’s awesome! I find my most enjoyable evenings are the ones where the TV doesn’t get switched on at all – instead we put on some music, cook dinner together and sit outside to chat about our days and laugh at our puppy dog. Bliss. x
sarah@Tomfo says
+I love this idea… we have cancelled the iPad or “big one” at our house indefinitely in favour of kicking a ball and just enjoying each other’s company. The results are so good, I love it! I think we might have to try this idea too.
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
I read this on Friday and have been thinking about it ever since. I banned screens during the weekdays but every now and then I let them on it. But like you say, when they are made to use their imagination it’s amazing what they come up with, and their laughter warms my heart. Have a great week ahead Bron xx
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Funnily enough I limited my screen time on the weekend, hence this tab has been sitting open on my computer since then. #lovethelittlethings
George says
Great idea – must try it. We might start with just one day a week.