How to Have an Unplugged Family Day
It’s an all-too-familiar scene: a family or group of friends out together, ignoring each other, staring at their phones. What should be quality time becomes a collection of individuals wrapped up in their own electronic worlds. It affects all age groups, from middle schoolers to college students to grandparents.If you want to have a family day where everyone’s actually tuned in to each other and not zeroed in on a screen, you’re going to have to think outside the box. Plan an activity or outing that allows everyone to disconnect to reconnect. For example…
It’s hard to be on your phone when you’re outside on the go. Go for a bike ride, reserve a tennis court for a match, or head to the nearest state park for a relaxing hike. No cell service? No problem! All that fresh air, sunshine, and screen-free will be good for relaxation, if not conversation.
If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, there are plenty of great indoor activities that are just as much fun. Try your hand at indoor rock climbing, or visit your bowling alley or retro roller-skating rink. You’ll feel like you’re back in junior high in no time, circling the rink to the sounds of Madonna’s greatest hits. (Kind of romantic, right?)
BE SILLY
Don’t worry; if the electronic devices are put away, there won’t be any photographic evidence to embarrass you later. Try out one of those new trampoline gyms and see if you still know how to do a backflip, or rent a bouncy house if you’d rather keep the shenanigans contained to your property. Plan a scavenger hunt, visit a laser tag or mini golf facility, or just have a silly game night at home playing charades and board games. Have fun, build lasting memories, and enjoy being in the moment with the people you love.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Everyone has hobbies they always wanted to pick up and never quite got around to. Channel the time you’d normally spend in front of a screen into practicing a new hobby while squeezing in an awesome date night with your honey. You’d be surprised at the number of adult classes you can find. Try your hand at woodworking, salsa dancing, golf, self-defense, or see what partner yoga is all about.
Many community colleges offer single-session seminars in a range of topics from French cooking to tai chi. You’ll learn new skills, spend time together, and if all else fails, be able to look back later and laugh about the time you fumbled your way through improv comedy.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
What all these things have in common is that they’re more fun without digital distractions. And when you’re actually focused on having fun, connecting with your family is just easier.
There’s no time like the present. Put a date on the calendar and pick an awesome activity for your family. Then relax, unplug, and let the rest of the world wait!