Screen Free Week: May 5 - 11

"Screen time" is one of those modern ideas that strongly polarize the parent community. What is screen time? How much of it should my kids have? What studies are out there to show any correlation one way or another? Why should it matter - our kids are in a new digital age and surely evolution has made way for this?

Since there is no regulating and certifying agency for media ads that kids are exposed to, television programming has been out of commission in our house. No cable TV or network TV watching. We catch the shows streamed  on other devices, ads-free, of course, as and when we feel the urge.

Daydreaming, Pretend Play, Dress Up, Reading, Writing, Playing Board Games and other games, Crafting, Art exploration, Walk Around the Block are some of the thing we'll be doing this week, much as every other week. Much the same as last year, or the year before... Not a zero-tolerance policy for just one random week, but, a thoughtful rationing of digital entertainment that has worked best for us in the long run.

As CCFC's Screen Free campaign states, Screen Free Week is:

The international celebration where children, families, schools, and communities spend seven days turning OFF digital entertainment* and turning ON life! It’s a time to unplug and play, read, daydream, create, explore nature, and spend time with family and friends.
*work and school assignments not included