What Transpired When My Children Left Their iPads Behind

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As someone who has a fondness for all things tech, especially those with the lowercase “i,” I find myself grappling with some of the less desirable behaviors that arise from constant device usage. I dislike the nagging urge to check my text messages and emails throughout the day. I also don’t enjoy tuning out my children while engrossed in typing a quick response. The relentless requests from my kids about when they can use their devices become tiresome, as does the constant demand for new apps. And let’s not even get started on the noisy chaos that erupts while they’re playing games, or the inevitable negotiations that arise when it’s time for screen-free activities.

Recently, my partner and I made a rather unconventional decision in a world so consumed by technology: we chose to leave the iPads at home during our vacation to Mexico. I won’t deny that we kept our own devices, as we both have, shall we say, “important” tasks to manage.

This trip quickly morphed into a social experiment for us. A plane ride with a layover, customs lines in Mexico, and a taxi journey to our hotel without the comforts of iPads or movies could have been a recipe for chaos. However, to our surprise, our children didn’t protest when we announced the absence of their beloved devices. Instead, they eagerly began suggesting alternative activities for our travel.

The kids turned out to be enthusiastic participants in our little experiment. They immersed themselves in hangman, journal writing, coloring, and reading together. While they did express a few longings for their iPads, they mostly relished their time playing at the pool and beach. They discovered new card games, spent hours coloring, and engaged in imaginative play.

Although my children managed to navigate a week without technology, it wasn’t without its challenges. This social experiment made me reflect on how pervasive technology has become in our lives. What did we do as children growing up in a world without screens? Did we annoy our parents with cries of boredom like our kids do when deprived of their devices?

Of course, we had our own tech obsessions back in the 80s. We were the generation of Nintendo and handheld games, experiencing the dawn of MTV and memorable after-school specials. I even reached out to my friends on social media to gather insights on their childhood activities before the era of iPads and smartphones. The responses were enlightening.

Bike riding emerged as the most cherished pastime among us as kids. In those days, we had the freedom to explore our neighborhoods and ride around with friends unsupervised. It was reminiscent of the adventures of Elliot and his crew in E.T., just kids out enjoying the world.

Choreographed dances and plays were also popular, especially among girls. I recently had a trip down memory lane while in the grocery store when a Pointer Sisters song played, instantly transporting me back to my days as a budding dancer.

Here’s a glimpse into what we did as kids before the advent of devices:

1. Unsupervised exploration: We roamed freely, returning home just in time for dinner.
2. Creative play: We made “pizzas” out of dirt and natural materials.
3. Bug collecting: We caught everything from grasshoppers to ladybugs.
4. Endless games of WAR: The simplest card game that could occupy us for hours.
5. Role-playing: We engaged in imaginative games like Cops and Robbers.
6. Fort building: We transformed sheets and blankets into elaborate play spaces.
7. Sports: We played baseball and kickball right in the street.
8. Mixed tapes: Creating personalized music collections was a labor of love.
9. Self-taught gymnastics: We practiced flips and tricks on the lawn, without expensive lessons.
10. Doorbell ditching: A classic, albeit mischievous, childhood pastime.
11. Selling goods: We set up lemonade stands and offered car washes, saving up for toys.
12. Sprinkler fun: We enjoyed running through sprinklers in the absence of pools.
13. Tree climbing: A memorable adventure that sometimes ended in minor mishaps.

Those were truly special times. Every generation tends to romanticize their childhood, and I often find myself wishing my children had the same freedom to explore and play outdoors that I did. I wonder how they will look back on their childhoods, especially as they navigate life as the first generation influenced by social media. They will undoubtedly have unique stories to share about growing up in this interconnected world.

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In summary, while our week without iPads was a challenge, it opened my eyes to the importance of unplugged play and the creativity that can flourish in its absence.