SCREEN ADDICTION GROWS IN SUMMER

Did you know that there are now institutions setup solely on the response to the epidemic of SCREEN ADDICTION for kids?  Which only gets worse during the moments of summer "boredom." Tristan Harris of Google and Scott Hagedorn of Omnicom, issued a dire warning that we are on the verge of a global public health crisis with SCREEN ADDICTION.

Let us not give in to the "oh so easy, they will at least stop bugging me for a bit" thinking.  I am saying this to myself mainly because sometimes I just want the EASY BUTTON on those long summer days. 

I’ve been trying to creatively address how we will manage screen time for our children, so that they can benefit from all the things we benefit from, when we are unplugged. I want them to know how to deal with boredom, and to have the experiences that encourage creativity, intelligence, and social well-being.  

Done for you Ways to eliminate Boredom 

(Screen Addiction) 

1. Double up on Music Lessons or try one of our Summer Camps.  More skills=more ability to be creative and engaged with music.
2. Buy a small bounce house for backyard or get crazy and move the furniture to place bounce house in living room.  
   • Thomas Family favorite bounce house purchase $373 with blower: CHECK IT OUT HERE

3. 150 PCS Kids Fort Building Kit - Fort Builder | Fort Kit | Crazy Kids Fort Building Set $39.99.  Super fun, been using it for years.  Works great with couches and beds to make the fort HUGE!!

   
   
   • CHECK FORT BUILDER OUT HERE 

4. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course for Kids - 2X50FT Double Ninja Slackline with Most Complete Accessories for Kids, Swing, Trapeze Swing, Rope Ladder, Obstacle Net. $159.  Can you tell I have boys?

   • Check out Obstacle Course Here
5. Camps and 50 best sites to go camping near Fort Worth 
6. Board Games---Our favorites are Ticket to Ride.
7. Volunteer. Helping your community can be satisfying, uplifting work, and of course you're working towards a good cause of well. Look for organization or neighbor in your area that the kids can help.
8. Crafts-- we have chalk outside and though not my "cup of tea."   

9. Bunch O Balloons - 350 Rapid-Fill Water Balloons (10 Pack) Amazon Exclusive, Multi-Colored

   Water Balloons and Sprinkler Games are surprisingly effective
   
   Check out Water Balloon Activity Here
   
10. Seaquest--   With exciting exhibits and activities for families and children of all ages, you’ll be able to get wet with the stingrays, feed the toucans, encounter a variety of reptiles, marvel at the sharks, take selfies with a mermaid, and more!

References:

Great Article about Screen Addiction!

USA Today Article and Research about this Epidemic