Lose the laptop.
Forget about your phone.
Table your tablet.
Screen-free Week is May 4-10.

While it’s nearly impossible to get by without screens these days, think of this week as a reset button on your family’s screen use.
Screen-free Week is organized each year by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (screenfree.org/sfw) to encourage families and kids to power down. Cutting back on screen time leaves more time for
Exercise and active play
Reading and imaginative play
Family games and conversation
Exploring and connecting with the world around us

Less screen time in the evening can also promote sleep.

Set Expectations

What about work and school? Both often require computer use, and more and more, we rely on screens to communicate. The official Screen-free pledge reads: “Watch no TV or DVDs, play no video or mobile games, and only use the computer if it’s required for work [or school].” Adapt the pledge to cover other devices, like smartphones, or uses, like social media. Holding a family meeting is a great way to set up expectations – for kids and parents.

Screen-free Activities

During your family meeting, brainstorm things to do instead of your usual screen time. This list can get you started.

Afterschool

Play outside. Ride bikes, shoot hoops, blow bubbles, play tag or hide and seek, or run races.
Hold a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items you might find in your yard or neighborhood and work in teams or as one group to find them.
Draw or do an art project (no need to check Pinterest for inspiration).
Daydream. Flop on the ground and watch the clouds or snuggle up inside on a rainy day. Let your mind wander and wonder.

Mealtime

Take turns telling “I remember when” stories about when kids were younger or when parents were kids.
Begin with gratitude or highs and lows. Each person takes a turn saying something they are thankful for or sharing the high and low points of their day.
Use conversation starters. You can buy cards with ideas printed on them or make your own. They can be silly or serious. Here are three to get you started: What character would you most like to meet? What would be your dream vacation? If you could be any animal, what would you be?

Evening

Learn a new board or card game, or play an old favorite.
Read. Read stories aloud as a family or enjoy some quiet time for people to reading separately.
Hold a family dance party.
Take a walk around the neighborhood together.

In the car

Crank the music and sing a long.
Play I-Spy, 20 Questions, or car bingo, looking for certain objects, letters, or colors.
Make up a story together.

Weekends

Visit a museum. Look for student specials or check at your local library for passes.
Spend time hiking at a nature center or recreation area.
Get outside as a family to clean up the yard, work in the garden, wash the car, or build something.