Eight ways to get children and teenagers away from their screens this weekend

You did it, you made it through just over two weeks of home schooling.

Many family homes across St Neots are now doubling up as classrooms.

The remote lockdown learning, added to gaming and social media use means many young people spend up to 80-90 per cent of their waking time, looking at some sort of screen.

While educationally it’s essential, it’s also important they have some ways to ditch the digital and do something different that doesn’t involve screen time.

Here are eight easy ideas to play around with:

1. Read a book. (We told you they were easy) but reading out loud really improves pronunciation, memory and confidence.
2. Play balloon football or catch, maybe avoid rugby unless a burst balloon doesn’t bother you (Laura hates the sound) It works inside and outside (plus wont damage any heirlooms if kicked or thrown at full speed)
3. Have a paper aeroplane flying contest. Our boys love making these. Something so simple yet so fun.
4. Write a note to a school friend and post it. Encourage some pen to paper writing or drawing it’s much nicer than an emoji filled text.
5. All gather around and play a board game. Teaches gamesmanship and memory and there’s nothing wrong with a little competition.
6. Cook a meal together.
7. Start the day with a walk even if it’s around the block. It gets them outside in the fresh air and stretches those legs.
8. Draw how you think the homes of the future will look.

We love points 3 and 5 (anyone for Jenga?)  – it will be fascinating to see what your architects of the future create so feel free to share their drawings with us.

Thanks for reading and stay safe, stay hopeful and stay active.

Have a great weekend.

Barry & Laura

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