I have been babysitting a lot recently, and it has made me notice the impact of technology on children in this day and age. Many people have emphasized how technology has negatively affected children's childhood, and I find this to be true. When I babysit, the children tend to stay on their iPads or play video games, and they aren't very willing to do anything but that. Here are some ways I've found to help get the kids off their technology even if it's just a little bit.
1. Take them to a park or playground
This is one of the most obvious and also easiest way to get kids out of the house. I took my little cousins out to the playground near my house, and they loved it. We spent about a little over an hour at the park just running around and playing on the merry-go-round. Not only does it give the kids a break from their technology, but they also get some fresh air and vitamin D.
2. Color or draw with them
I have a two year old niece (who can barely hold the pencil) and a seven year old nephew who absolutely love to draw. It brings out their creative side to express themselves and also keeps them quiet in one place at least for a little while.
3. Play a game like hide and seek or tag
Hide and seek or tag gets the kids up and moving and also gets their hearts beating.
4. Make up a new game for them
For my little cousins, my cousin Annabelle and I took a bunch of different strings and strung them all across the hall to imitate the security lasers that you see in spy movies. Then we came up with instructions while they made their spy gadgets out of pipe cleaners. They were able to express their creativity and have fun instead of sitting around on their iPads.
5. Cook or bake something fun and delicious
My nephew loves either just sitting there and watching me cook or helping me out while I make cookies. It's fun for the kids to get their hands dirty every once in a while.
6. Give the kids an interesting book to read or a home science experiment
What better way to get kids off of their technology than to give them a not only educational but also fun and enjoyable activity to do right from your home.
7. Take the kids out somewhere like Chuck E. Cheese's or a trampoline park
8. Bring the kids to a museum, aquarium, or zoo
Not only is it educational, but it is also engaging for the kids. There are many different exhibits and learning activities for the kids to enjoy.
