It's winter, cold and dark early. On top of that, covid-19 means our freedom of movement is limited. Fortunately, we live in the digital age, so we still feel connected to the world.
Smartphones, tablets and other screens are useful, but an occasional detox can do no harm. More and more people - and children, are developing a screen addiction. And we notice that many parents struggle to deal with this. How much screen time does your child get? And above all, what is the alternative?
We have 5 tips for you to spend the weekend - partly - screen-free:
1. Sportsman/sportswoman for one afternoon
The election of sportsman/woman of the year is coming up.
The men selected are: Wout Van Aert (cycling) Bashir Abdi (athletics) and Matthias Casse. (judo). And the women: Nina Derwael (gymnastics), Emma Meesseman (basketball) and Nafi Thiam. (athletics)
Let your child choose one of these athletes, give more information about the athlete and live like the sports hero for one afternoon. Go cycling like Wout Van Aert or head to the local athletics track for your own heptathlon like Nafi Thiam. Don't forget the adapted sports nutrition! Ready to start?
2. Test a new board game
Schermstrijd-Cardgame is our first card game. In this game, players compete against each other in teams. The stake of the game is winning or losing extra screen time. This by forming the pincode in the middle of the table as quickly as possible. You do this through tactics, teamwork and a bit of luck.
The game has now been tested by many families and the reactions are positive. Want to know more or like to test it out? Send us a message via this link.
3. Message in a Bottle
The holidays are coming. Time for a nice Christmas message for family and friends? Let the kids make a nice drawing, put it in a bottle and deliver it together - corona-proof - to the recipient. Of course, you can use this activity for any occasion. Bet the recipients will be happy?
4. Personalize a Christmas ornament
Now that Sinterklaas is back in Spain, it's time to set up the Christmas tree again. Why not let the kids personalize a Christmas ornament? Write their name on it with a fine pen or let them make a drawing. This makes your Christmas tree just a little more unique, doesn't it?
Ps: be aware that some Christmas ornaments will fall.
5. Make your class ... in Lego or Playmobil
Lego and Playmobil are very popular in many Flemish living rooms. Let your child(ren) recreate their own class. Feel free to ask who sits where in the class. Curious to see what you will find out!
And no, we have nothing against screens, but life is more than that alone!