9 Ways to Get Your Family to Unplug From Technology

You know it’s time for a digital free night where you unplug from technology when your family loves their devices. To the point where they can’t even be in the same room without it.

Did you know, that the average person spends about 10 hours a day on their device?

Even worse is that typically, 1/3 of that time is spent checking social media or texting while in the same room with other people!

It doesn’t matter if you’re at work or out on a date, there’s always someone checking their phone.

We all know how important it is to unplug sometimes for peace of mind, but what’s the best way to get your family to unplug? I’ve got some ideas below!

9 Ways to Spend Family Night Digital Free

I’ve always been happy to introduce my daughter to technology and actually credit supervised time with her iPad for her being ahead of the game in school.

But as great as technology can be for kids (and adults too), we all run the risk of spending too much time plugged in.

But it does seems like everything in our lives are digital, doesn’t it? School, calendars, work, TV, games – it’s HARD not to look at some sort of screen each day.

So how do you get your family to unplug from technology nowadays?

As with everything in life, it’s all about moderation, which is why we should all make a conscious effort to unplug and disconnect from all technology and enjoy some quality family time. 

Write Letters/Draw Pictures For Family Members

I still love getting good old fashion snail mail. It’s always a highlight to find a card or letter amidst the junk mail and bills.

Take Your Pet For a Walk

We love walking our dog around the neighborhood each evening. It’s good exercise and allows everyone to get some fresh air – no cell phones allowed!

Go On a Scavenger Hunt

I love playing this game with my daughter.

We take an old egg carton and paint the inside of each egg holder a different color. Then we go on a hike and find something in nature that matches each color.

Play a Board Game

We weren’t well off growing up, but my dad would always bring us home board games, proving to be the easiest (and probably cheapest) way to have some fun with five kids.

We would have popcorn, sparkling juice and engage in some competitive gaming. To be honest, my dad probably loved the games just as much as we did!

I think about those days every time we open a board game with my daughter.

We have all of the classics like Monopoly, Candyland, and Chutes and Ladders, as well as some of the new games from Disney and Hasbro. 

Teach Them Something New

Pick up a new sport, learn to play checkers, teach them how to sew or ride a bike – teach them anything!

Not only will they have gained a new skill, they will also have had quality time with mom and dad. 

Get in the Kitchen Together

Get into Grandma’s recipe book and learn an old family favorite together.

Even kids as young as two or three can get involved in the kitchen doing simple jobs like stirring and mixing. 

Spend a Day at the Beach

One of the biggest perks of moving to Florida was the fact that we would be so close to the ocean.

I love spending a day at the beach, watching the sunset and then grabbing some Fish Tacos for dinner.

Make Storytelling a Bedtime Routine

We read books every single day, but one of my daughter’s favorite activities is creating stories together using our imaginations. 

Let them create their own inspired dream world and you’ll likely learn a few things too!

Make Time For Crafts and Drawing

My daughter claims she isn’t a good artist, but she loves to make crafts (like this Ladybug paper plate craft) and could spend hours painting and journaling too.

We also have a brand new site that is dedicated to fun crafts and printables for kids and adults – check it out!

Bonus: The practice will encourage kids’ imaginative and artistic sides.