The first step to solving a problem is admitting there is one and I’ll admit it — I’m addicted to my phone. Quality time with my husband often involves watching a TV show while simultaneously scrolling on our devices while sitting on opposite ends of the couch. I’ve caught myself missing precious moments with my son while I was distracted by trying to capture the moment on my Instagram stories.
Let’s solve this problem together. We can start by celebrating National Day for Unplugging from sundown this Friday, March 9 through Saturday, March 10 at sundown. This nationwide event is being promoted by Reboot, a nonprofit who “affirms the value of Jewish traditions and creates new ways for people to make them their own.” They encourage us to use this time to unwind, unplug, relax, reflect, get outdoors and connect with loved ones. Here are some ideas for you to help make this happen with your family!
Make dinner as a family
Remember the good old days before food blogs and Pinterest? Pull out those cookbooks and handwritten recipe cards to make an old family favorite. I will be pulling out the recipe cards for my Grandma’s Pork Chop Suey and sending my husband out for some takeout egg rolls!
Take a nap
When is the last time your entire family slowed down enough to take a weekend nap? Without the constant pings and notifications on your phone, you’ll be able to shut down and get some rest. It will feel glorious and the guilt of missing something will be non-existent. And believe me, truly resting will be a lot more fulfilling then suddenly looking up from your phone and wondering where the last thirty minutes went!
Avoid boredom with board games
Typically, when the sun goes down it can be taken as a cue to wind down as a family in front of the TV. Instead, pull out a game and spend some quality time unplugging as a family. Keep it simple with a game of Go Fish with the littles or check out these age appropriate games to get your kids’ brains working. It will be a great way to spend time as a family and connect, which is what this day is all about.
Read a book
Sit down with your kids and give them your full attention during their bedtime story. Better yet, pick up one of these books all about Chicago that they will get into. After bedtime, get lost in a good book yourself! Here are some of my suggestions.
Get out and do something new
The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting outside! Keep it simple and head to that park you drive by but have never actually checked out. Go on a family walk in your neighborhood and let your kids choose the route! Check out more ideas here on Friday morning to prepare and then log off and get after it!
You can also use these creative ‘gone away’ messages on your social media accounts from the reboot website to announce this challenge to the world. Who’s with me?
