ZorbingLast week we challenged kids and parents to put down their devices over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Parents have been sending in their pictures, videos and stories showing how their families dealt with their time free from screens. Below we’ve pulled together some highlights, including Screen Time Labs founder Steve.
The Macdonalds
Participants
- Eairsidh 5yrs
- Saoirse 9yrs
- Ruaraidh 11yrs
- Alex 44yrs
- Caroline 44yrs
What they did instead
We’ve been exploring! Going behind the stage at Bristol Old Vic theatre as part of their 250 anniversary celebrations (people used to eat, drink, smoke and chatter throughout the performances that were lit by candlelight when it first opened).
Inside the Bristol Old Vic
We also went on the trail of the Tudors at Sudeley Castle where Henry 8th’s last wife, Katherine Parr, lived after she survived (and only by the skin of her teeth!) her husband.
Dressing up Tudor style
Richard III also owned the Castle beforehand and there was a replica of his skeleton.
Richard III
We also have now become owners of a swarm of bees who have taken to one of our trees.
Challenges
Mum has found it harder than expected and trying not to disguise recreational use with ‘work’!! 11 year old definitely the grumpiest at first but is getting used to it.
The Vangasses
Participants
- Sophie, 11yrs
- Ben, 12yrs
- Tom, 8yrs
- Steve, Dad
- Adele, Mom
What they did instead
This is our annual extended family camping get together at River Dart Country Park. We used to come here 30 years ago with another family with 4 children too. Now we’ve all grown up and have 20 kids between us, so for the last few years we’ve been going back there, now covering a respectable 10 pitches between us.
We’re back home feeling battered, bruised and a little tired after a not so relaxing, but very good fun long weekend.
Water fights in the lake
Zorbing
A little bit scared before the high ropes
Challenges
Steve: Had phone with me but left it in a glove box for emergencies. I did feel a bit sneaky and maybe a little hypocritical when I occasionally checked up on emails etc. But as the weekend progressed, the urge to check got less and less.
Adele: Had her phone with her for taking photos, but found it hard not to dip into Facebook every now and again.
Ben: No devices for the weekend. Tried to persuade us before we left that he only wanted it for the journey to listen to music, but from experience, this can be a very slippery slope 🙂
Sophie: No devices for the weekend. No complaints – too much going on
Tom: No devices for the weekend. No complaints – too much going on
How will you get on with our Screen Time Challenge?
Now it’s over to you! Can you and your family reduce your online activity this half-term in the Screen Time Challenge? Who will fare better – you or your kids? Send us your pics, videos or blogs about your experience via email, Twitter or Facebook, and we’ll share our favourites.
If you are yet to subscribe to our app, why not signup to a free trial and use it to help you take part in our challenge? We can’t wait to see what you do with your extra family time!
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