We have a little tv in the sitting room, but it only goes on for movies at a set time at the weekend. I’m not sure my son knows it works during the day. We use a bike rental service so we always have the right sized bike. It’s our primary form of transport, and I worry when I see kids with bikes that are too big or too small. It makes it way less fun. We got a bunch of guttering, pallets, all sort of things for loose parts play in the garden and my son will regularly go out with paint and paint things.
I love all these ideas! We aren’t screen free but we are screen… intentional. This makes me want to look into a trampoline and (😳) pets. I’ve been really squeamish about small pets, am allergic to cats, and am concerned about the work of a dog, but maybe hamsters or Guinea pigs in the garage which is attached and we hang out a lot in could be something??
A couple things we have that I’d recommend:
- a hot tub and an outdoor shower. Not feasible for all, I know, but it’s a great way to relax and hang out outside.
Re the computer in a communal space, yes! BUT given homework is now so frequently set on computers as they get older, how do you navigate the need for peace and quiet when one of your sons needs to do work on the computer in your communal space Vs the buzz of the rest of the family? I wouldn't want to compromise the standard of my son's work if he can't get the calm he needs to focus etc. look forward to hearing your thoughts!
This sounds wonderful. I started to take all electronic devices to work throughout the week so my boys don't have screen time during the week; however, we still have TVs. I just don't know what will happen if I take those away, too. Honestly, I am not a good example having a TV in my bedroom. It's so hard to break that habit.
Love this list. We have practically all the same things going on, with the exception of the trampoline (our good friends have one though, so our kids get a lot of bouncing time!). Our strategy for family movie time is to have a projector and large screen/tripod that rolls up/collapses and can be tucked under the sofa. It lets us enjoy films in a more intentional way — the setup is easy but not too easy! and we’ve found that the projector screen is a lot easier on the eyes than a TV or computer screen since the light is indirect—which is nice for the younger children who are easily overstimulated by overly bright screens.
We have a little tv in the sitting room, but it only goes on for movies at a set time at the weekend. I’m not sure my son knows it works during the day. We use a bike rental service so we always have the right sized bike. It’s our primary form of transport, and I worry when I see kids with bikes that are too big or too small. It makes it way less fun. We got a bunch of guttering, pallets, all sort of things for loose parts play in the garden and my son will regularly go out with paint and paint things.
I love all these ideas! We aren’t screen free but we are screen… intentional. This makes me want to look into a trampoline and (😳) pets. I’ve been really squeamish about small pets, am allergic to cats, and am concerned about the work of a dog, but maybe hamsters or Guinea pigs in the garage which is attached and we hang out a lot in could be something??
A couple things we have that I’d recommend:
- a hot tub and an outdoor shower. Not feasible for all, I know, but it’s a great way to relax and hang out outside.
- a gymnastics mat
We have an outdoor shower, too! It doesn't have hot water, but it's a fun rinse and play station for the kids, too.
Re the computer in a communal space, yes! BUT given homework is now so frequently set on computers as they get older, how do you navigate the need for peace and quiet when one of your sons needs to do work on the computer in your communal space Vs the buzz of the rest of the family? I wouldn't want to compromise the standard of my son's work if he can't get the calm he needs to focus etc. look forward to hearing your thoughts!
This sounds wonderful. I started to take all electronic devices to work throughout the week so my boys don't have screen time during the week; however, we still have TVs. I just don't know what will happen if I take those away, too. Honestly, I am not a good example having a TV in my bedroom. It's so hard to break that habit.
Love this list. We have practically all the same things going on, with the exception of the trampoline (our good friends have one though, so our kids get a lot of bouncing time!). Our strategy for family movie time is to have a projector and large screen/tripod that rolls up/collapses and can be tucked under the sofa. It lets us enjoy films in a more intentional way — the setup is easy but not too easy! and we’ve found that the projector screen is a lot easier on the eyes than a TV or computer screen since the light is indirect—which is nice for the younger children who are easily overstimulated by overly bright screens.
That sounds like a good workaround. Thanks for sharing.