11 things to do to create screen breaks for kids

Let’s face it, our goal as parents is to raise active, healthy kids and we all know deep down this means creating screen breaks for kids. We know, it’s definitely easier said than done!

Technology can be such an incredible tool to help us through those challenging times when we need some peace to complete a task - to finish cooking dinner or send that last work email.

But it doesn’t stop that nagging feeling of guilt that we all experience, and that’s why we have compiled the top 11 things for active, healthy kids.

1. Go for a walk - Take the dog for a walk, get the trike out for your little one and get some fresh air. It doesn’t need to take long - it can just be a walk around the block for 10 minutes. 
2. Try the ‘things I can see’ game as a meditative exercise for both you and your child - get them to list things they see, hear, smell, taste and feel along the walk, this is an excellent grounding exercise.
3. Have a bubble break - Have some bubbles on hand and get your child to blow bubbles.  This is a wonderful exercise to release dopamine and calm your child.
4. Do a workout - Doing 10 burpees, 10 star jumps & 10 pushups in the lounge room is perfect and you don’t need any equipment. Put their favourite song on and join in with them - they will love the interaction!
5. Cook dinner together - get your A team to set and prep for you - set the table, prepare dinner and ask them to clean up - encourage them as they go along to create the ultimate bonding experience.
6. Water play - when the weather is warm make water balloons, put the hose under the trampoline or go to a water park for hours of fun. This will hopefully tire them out so much that you won’t need a screen when you get home!
7. Make a cubby - in cooler weather pull out the sheets and make a cubby, kids love hours of endless fun. You could create your own mini festival tent with their favourite instruments or set up a little high tea, the options are endless.
8. Play board games - Kids love one on one time with their favourite person - you! Board games are a great way to connect without the need for tech.
9. Have a teddy bear picnic - Get a blanket, prepare their favourite food, get their teddies and enjoy some fresh air with a teddy bear picnic.
10. Get some friends together in the playground - You can enjoy some time with your friends while the kids run around and have fun.
11. Get one of our Busy Books Co books and enjoy hours of fun connecting with your child, while enhancing their childhood development. We have a wonderful range of books to suit all interests for preschool aged children. Check out our range here for more!