Life

Life

Top Ideabooks

See also

Disaster Prep & Recovery Features Feel-Good Home Home Tech Housekeeping Monthly Home Checklists Selling Your House Sheltering at Home Moving Pets Travel by Design

10 Ideas for Making Screen-Free Play a Reality

Here's how to tempt your children with activities that will encourage their creativity and keep them away from the TV

Laura Gaskill January 2, 2014

Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers

Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More

Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.

With the kids at home for the holiday break, it can be easy to let your usual rules about screen time fall by the wayside, but too much screen time, whether it’s on the TV, iPad or game system, means kids are missing out on real life. As a parent and a former teacher, I know how hard it can be to help kids resist the allure of the screen — so here are 10 road-tested and screen-free ideas for encouraging creativity and engagement.

Transitional Kids by Robert J. Schroeder Photography

Robert J. Schroeder Photography

1. Take the time to make activities attractive. This is especially important for younger children, but it helps at all ages. A disaster of an art area or playroom is not likely to tempt anyone to create. But a small, neat table, set with fresh white paper, a small vase of flowers and watercolor paints is sure to lure them in.

Industrial Kids by McIntosh Poris Associates

McIntosh Poris Associates

2. Follow their interests — and help them go further. Movies, games and apps are enticing, so you’re not likely to pry your kids away from them if all you’re offering is something they see as “educational.”

Instead, use what they are passionate about and help them expand upon it. Do they love Legos? Set up a permanent spot for their creations, and look up creative building challenges for them to try.

Photograph their constructions and create a gallery wall or book of their work, complete with titles and descriptions. The animation fan could (with some help) work on making her own stop-motion film or design her own comic book.

Eclectic by CM Glover

3. Host a crafternoon. Crafting is nearly always more fun with friends, so why not set a date and invite a bunch of kids over for a crafting party? Choose a project, gather supplies and clear some space on the dining table — if it’s a big hit, start a group and trade off hosting duties with other parents. Think of it as a play date with a purpose.

Traditional Kids by Sicora Design/Build

Sicora Design/Build

4. Install a messy area. Speaking of arts and crafts, is there a space in your home where your kids are free to get a little (or a lot) messy? Messy activities such as painting, play dough and sand and water play can be deeply engaging to children — but they can be hard to contain. Try creating a special zone where this is encouraged. If you don’t have a separate room to devote to messy play, try using a corner of the kitchen — the sink nearby is handy for washing up, and the floors are likely hardy.

Eclectic Bedroom by Sarah Greenman

5. Hold an art opening and invite the neighbors. Kids can really get excited about planning an event like this! It lends importance to the work they are doing, especially if you really get into the spirit.

Hang up your child’s artwork in frames or from old wooden pants hangers (as shown here) all over the house, and have your child come up with titles for each piece. Invite neighbors, grandparents and friends. On the night of, set out cheese and crackers and juice or sparkling cider. Definitely take some pictures.

Eclectic Kids by Catherine Nguyen Photography

Catherine Nguyen Photography

6. Put on a performance. Kids not so into art? Try putting on a play, ballet or puppet show instead. This would be a great project for siblings to work on together! They can decide on their performance, rehearse, make a guest list, design invitations and plan an “after party.”

Contemporary Dining Room by Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Feldman Architecture, Inc.

7. Do some big batch or special project cooking. Even kids who rarely want to help in the kitchen may get excited about “project” cooking — something more elaborate than the everyday stuff you usually prepare. Think homemade marshmallows and graham crackers, fresh cheese, dessert pizzas or a huge batch of a family favorite.

Eclectic by Sarah Greenman

8. Nice day? Bring a project outdoors. Not such a nice day? Get out there anyway! Time spent outdoors is good for kids, it’s as simple as that. In good weather, any project that can be done indoors can also be enjoyed outside — and it’s often more fun that way. Try painting, water play, dressing up or holding a dance party. When there’s snow on the ground, bundle up and look for animal tracks, hang a bird feeder, make a snow person or have a snowball fight.

Traditional by Harman Wilde

9. Offer cash for extra household jobs. I’m not an advocate of paying kids to do regular chores — there are certain things that everyone just needs to do around the house without expecting a special reward. But (especially when your kids are older) there are likely other jobs around the house that you’d love to have done, but don’t have the time for. Give your kids the chance to learn a new skill, such as painting or organizing, and a way to earn extra money by tackling household projects. Be sure to demonstrate the job, set up a safe work area and be around to supervise.

Contemporary Kids by Arkin Tilt Architects

Arkin Tilt Architects

10. Read aloud. Even older kids enjoy being read to, so don’t assume your child is too old until you try! Pick a book you think you will both enjoy (better yet, choose one together) and set aside a bit of time each day to read.

Tell us: Do you limit screen time in your house? Share what works for you in the Comments.

Sponsored

EK Interior Design

TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN FOR ENDLESS MEMORIES

We believe that the transition of a house into a home is a sense of history and a piece of the future. It tells... Read More

Sponsored

Oceanstar 3-Tier Bamboo Shoe Rack, Natural

Oceanstar 3-Tier Bamboo Shoe Rack, Natural

$60

Artifacts Rattan Storage Box With Lid, Letter File, Honey Brown

Artifacts Rattan Storage Box With Lid, Letter File, Honey Brown

$127

Punky Hill Distressed Floating Shelf, 24"x6"x3", Distressed Shelf With Brackets

Punky Hill Distressed Floating Shelf, 24"x6"x3", Distressed Shelf With Brackets

$71

Mirrored Wall Shelf

Mirrored Wall Shelf

$296

4-Hooks Reclaimed Barn Wood Coat Rack, 24"

4-Hooks Reclaimed Barn Wood Coat Rack, 24"

$99

(4) Double Coat Hook A Black Steel Iron Modern Farmhouse Rustic Industrial

(4) Double Coat Hook A Black Steel Iron Modern Farmhouse Rustic Industrial

$44

Comments (23)

See 20 more comments

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

PRO

Hyounsoo Lathrop/Coldwell Banker Burnet

We have 8 and 5 years boys. They get to have the screen time in the morning after breakfast, brush teeth, change clothes, get ready for school and clean their room. The good part for me is that I don't have to nag them to get ready and their room is clean because they are so motivated to do so to get even one more minute. Win-win! We also have a weekly movie night with pizza-after piano lesson. They love screen time but they have as much fun without it which they don't seem to realize. Legos, drawings or just running around the house with their own plot.

Like January 6, 2014 at 9:16PM

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

farrowshelley

I recently emptied our rec room so I could teach Nia classes(a combination of dance arts,martial arts, and healing arts). My kids are loving this empty space! They dance, make up routines, do cartwheels, move in other pieces from other rooms to design the space to suit their play. They usually come up for water with rosy cheeks from all the exercise. I love that!

1 Like January 7, 2014 at 10:26AM

Thank you for reporting this comment. Undo

Kriss

Screen time is really any device these days, but we don't have a TV upstairs at all. It's conversation or peace time. Downstairs kids can hook up their devices through Apple TV, but we spend time with them or limit their time when they're watching together. Best advice is to be involved and have fun along side them as they explore and learn.

2 Likes January 7, 2014 at 6:10PM

Related Stories

Housekeeping Choose Your Own Spring Cleaning Plan

By Laura Gaskill

Instead of trying to do it all, pick one of these six cleaning approaches that’s right for you now

Full Story

Feel-Good Home 10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better

By Jo Simmons

Consider some simple changes and fun tips for brightening your world

Full Story

Remodeling Guides 9 Secrets to Successfully Remodeling a House Together

By Laura Wheat

Learn how to put your stamp on a project while avoiding unnecessary conflicts

Full Story

Decluttering 10 Tips for Clearing Out the Family Home

By Jeanne Taylor

A professional organizer offers advice on emptying a family home in preparation for a sale

Full Story

Feel-Good Home 8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies

Full Story

Houzz Call Houzz Readers Share Snowy Scenes Near Their Homes

By Annie Thornton

These 25 views capture winter across the United States and beyond

Full Story

Feel-Good Home Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Fresh Sheets

By Laura Gaskill

Make your bed a place of comfort and relaxation with good-quality linens, ample pillows and other pleasing accoutrements

Full Story

Feel-Good Home 10 Ways to Make Your Home a Haven

By Jo Simmons

Set up a comfortable environment that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation

Full Story

Feel-Good Home 10 Tips for Boosting Winter Wellness

By Laura Gaskill

Improve indoor air, enjoy some exercise and have fun — even on the coldest days

Full Story

Healthy Home 12 Ways to Promote Wellness in Your Home

By Becky Harris

Experts share tips for enhancing physical and mental health at home

Full Story