As a parent, I find myself deeply appreciative of modern technology, particularly devices with the lowercase “i” prefix. However, I also recognize the negative behaviors that can arise from their usage. The constant compulsion to check my messages, the moments when I inadvertently ignore my children, and the persistent requests from them to use their devices can be overwhelming. Furthermore, the noise that accompanies their gaming and the negotiations that ensue when it’s time to put away their gadgets can be quite exhausting.
Recently, my partner and I made a rather unconventional decision in our tech-centric lives: we chose to leave the iPads behind during our family vacation to Mexico. To be transparent, we did keep our own devices for essential tasks, but we decided to see how our children would adapt without their screens.
This experiment could easily have turned into chaos, especially during our lengthy journey involving a plane, customs, and a taxi ride. However, the reaction from our children was surprisingly positive. Instead of revolting, they embraced the challenge and began suggesting alternative activities to engage in during the trip.
Throughout our vacation, the kids participated in various activities such as playing hangman, journaling, coloring, and reading together. They occasionally expressed a desire for their devices, but they primarily relished their time playing at the beach and pool. They even learned to play card games, colored extensively, and engaged in imaginative play.
While they did manage to survive a week without technology, it was not without its challenges. This experience prompted me to reflect on how pervasive technology has become in our lives and consider how we, as children, occupied our time without such devices. Did we drive our parents insane with our complaints of boredom, similar to the way our children do now?
I recall that even in the 80s, we had our own technological distractions—Nintendo consoles and handheld games. We spent hours on arcade classics like Pac-Man and Frogger, while also enjoying the advent of MTV and various after-school specials. Recently, I asked friends on social media what activities they engaged in as children before the digital age, and I received a flood of nostalgic responses.
Bike riding emerged as a favorite pastime for many of us. In the 80s, we had the freedom to explore our neighborhoods on our bikes, reminiscent of Elliot and his friends discovering E.T. That sense of independence was a hallmark of our childhoods.
Another popular activity was choreographing dances and theatrical performances, particularly among girls. I still feel nostalgia when I hear songs from that era, recalling our dreams of becoming professional dancers.
Here’s a list of activities we enjoyed as kids before the digital era:
- Unsupervised exploration: Leaving home in the morning and roaming freely until dinner.
- Creating imaginative meals from natural elements in the environment.
- Collecting insects and other creatures from our surroundings.
- Playing simple card games like WAR for hours on end.
- Engaging in imaginative role-playing games like Cops and Robbers.
- Building forts using blankets and furniture to create our own play spaces.
- Playing sports like baseball and kickball in the neighborhood.
- Making mixed tapes to share with friends.
- Practicing gymnastics and acrobatics in the yard.
- Playing doorbell ditch as a means of entertainment.
- Going door-to-door to sell lemonade or other goods.
- Enjoying the simple pleasure of running through sprinklers on hot days.
- Climbing trees and exploring nature, no matter the risks involved.
These were cherished moments in a simpler time. Each generation reminisces about their upbringing with fondness, and I often wish for my children to experience the same freedom and creativity that I did. I wonder what they will remember about their childhood, particularly as they grow up in a world dominated by social media and technology. They will undoubtedly have valuable insights to share about this connected experience.
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In summary, our decision to leave technology behind allowed us to reconnect with each other and explore new forms of play. It sparked important reflections on childhood, creativity, and the evolution of entertainment in our lives today.