Leveling Up Spring Break Without Electronics

     Spring Break is fast approaching and we're getting excited! Now a break for us parents can mean a variety of things. Sometimes its an adult only vacation... oh right, wishful thinking there, sorry guys. So no matter your plans for Spring Break, be it near to home or far from it, we hope you take this chance to enjoy a little break from routine. I mean who doesn't want a week of loosening the reigns and indulging a little more than usual in fun and food?

     Spring break is also a perfect opportunity to grow, create memories and be truly present with one another. And whether they're asking for it verbally or not deep down what your child craves most is quality time with you. No matter their age and sass. These lofty goals, however, can easily be derailed if electronics are not reigned in and become the main focal point and pull on our time during this brief vacation. Now we're not saying increasing your family's device/gaming time on a break is inherently bad. We are just saying it's a slippery slope and would like to help you plan accordingly. So here are some quick reasons why limiting electronics can 'level up' your Spring Break and a quick action plant to make it happen.

Pros of Limiting Electronics on a Break

1. Less of fight to return to school: If we don't completely loosen the reigns on video games/electronics use during the break it will be less of a fight when we have to get the kiddos back to school ready. And who could blame a child for rearing their tiny heads and rebelling if we don't have some limits? Going from doing whatever you want straight into a very strict and busy routine is hard for everyone no matter the age. It's why many of us plan a recovery day or two after a vacation before jumping back into work.
2. Stronger Bonds: When we make concentrated efforts to be present and do things together we are building each other up and strengthening bonds. This in turn leads to less arguing as we are more attentive to each other's needs and emotions when we've been consistently investing our time in each other.
3. Less sibling arguments: Every household has routines. Even our pattern of arguing falls into a cyclic form of routine. So by limiting electronics usage in your home you are upsetting that cycle. And it takes some time for our children to adapt to that. The primary focus of most sibling arguments in today's world center around some sort of device. "It's my turn to play." "He's cheating." "She killed me when we had a truce." "You picked yesterday, it's my turn."So by limiting the primary focus of most of their arguments there will in fact be more peace in your home. This is a big plus since you all have more time on your hands and together than usual.

Ways to Level Up Your Spring Break

1. No Devices Before Dark: To attempt a device free spring break is too big a fight to be worth it. Plus we all know that forbidden items become the focus of our attention. It's just human nature to want what we can't have. Moderation, however, is a healthy compromise. Rather than turn video games into a forbidden temptation, this rule allows you to emphasize other activities (at least while the sun is shining). So make it the week's goal and commit to it as a family. Use those daylight hours to create, play, read, explore. Get outside. Get active. Take a walk. Feed the ducks. Do those things you always wish you had time for. Spring is too beautiful a season to spend all day cooped up and vegging out in front of a TV. So save the screen time for after dark.

2. Let Everyone Plan A Perfect Day/Activity: Our day to day life is often too busy for little adventures and making special memories. And to be honest with what free time we have us adults are in charge. This Spring Break let the kids take charge and be responsible for creating their own entertainment. You can do this one of two easy ways. By either (A) keeping it strictly within the home or (B) planning a hometown outing. The rules are simple. Basically each person in your household picks an activity (or an outing if you're doing the hometown version) that they enjoy. If you want more power over this family day they can list their top three ideas and then you ultimately decide. These activities don't have to be over the top extravagant either, because when you cram everyone's favorite activity into a single day it leads to something truly magical. Be it a picnic with movie theater popcorn in your backyard, family bowling tournament and then froyo, your possibilities truly are limitless. So have some fun with it and make some memories planning the ultimate hometown family outing. 

     Overall Spring Break will be as magical, adventurous, and memorable as you want. So as a family strive to disengage from those ordinary routines. Don't let electronics babysit and steal this precious time away. Let's vow to do something extraordinary with this week. It will take some planning and some parental regulations on screen time, but with some guided nudging in the right direction it truly could be a freeing childhood experience. 

#RaiseAWarrior