*This is a collaborative post.
Needless to say, screens are everywhere. From smartphones to tablets, from laptops to televisions, our lives are filled with digital devices. Well, in a way, that's probably good, but at the same time, it's not that great either. For parents, this often means striking a delicate balance between allowing screen time and encouraging other activities. In general, everyone, whether adults or kids, needs to understand that too much screen time can be a bad thing.
So it’s a good idea to start encouraging your kids to take up hobbies that don’t involve screens. Not only is this a good idea, it's necessary. In addition, some of the most unique hobby Anyway, there’s absolutely nothing to do with phones or screens there. With all that said, let’s dive into why screen-free hobbies are so important and how they can positively impact a child’s development.
why it is so important
So, why is it so important? Well, that’s why you want to try incorporating fewer screens and more hands-on hobbies for your kids!
Cultivate creativity and imagination
One of the most beautiful aspects of childhood is the limitless imagination and creativity you are born with. When children engage in screen-free activities, they tap into their innate creative and imaginative abilities. Whether it's drawing, building with blocks or making up stories, these activities foster creativity in ways that screens often can't.
Well, here's a great example: When children pick up a paintbrush, they're not just learning color and technique; They express their emotions, thoughts and dreams. This self-expression is critical to emotional development. Plus, if you think about it, creative play helps kids think outside the box, solve problems, and develop their unique perspectives on the world.
Build physical skills and fitness
While screens aren't bad all the time, you still have to be aware that there are some risks involved. Today, screens often encourage sedentary behavior, which can lead to a variety of health problems over time. You can't keep them sitting there! So, having said that, encouraging your children to take part in sports hobbies can help combat this issue by promoting an active lifestyle.
For example, sports, dance, martial arts, and even simple activities like playing hide-and-seek or riding a bike provide excellent opportunities for exercise. Best of all, these activities are often where kids get some of their sweetest, best childhood memories!
But overall, as a parent, you really have to remember that physical activity is critical for developing gross and fine motor skills. They help children develop strength, coordination and balance. But beyond the physical benefits, these activities also teach children perseverance, teamwork and discipline. The joy of scoring a goal, mastering a new dance move, or just feeling the wind while riding your bike can be incredibly rewarding and motivating.
Improve social skills and development
Well, there's a Catch-22 here. So, yes, people enjoy using their devices because they are so connected to other people. There is no doubt that this is absolutely true! But must that be all? Screens connect people but also disconnect them.
So, with that being said, one of the great joys of a hobby is the opportunity to connect with others. Many screen-free activities actually encourage social interaction, whether that's playing a team sport, taking a dance class, or joining a local club or group. These interactions are invaluable for developing social skills and forming lasting friendships.
When children participate in group activities, they learn how to communicate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts. They also develop empathy by understanding different perspectives and working toward common goals. These social skills are essential for building strong relationships and thriving in diverse environments.
Improve academic performance and concentration
It may seem surprising, but a hobby away from screens can have a positive impact on children's academic performance. Honestly, it's about balance. Too much screen time is bad for your child’s academic performance, and yes, too little screen time can actually affect it too. So it's really about balance. So, to sum up, activities like reading, playing a musical instrument, or participating in hands-on science experiments stimulate the brain, which in turn enhances learning and cognitive development.
So this is very basic and universal advice that every parent knows, but it's still worth paying attention to. Yes, reading on a tablet is great for improving vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, but physical books work too! Another thing is that learning to play an instrument enhances memory, attention to detail, and discipline.
But in general, hands-on experiments foster curiosity and a love of discovery, and they can’t really be achieved through a screen (there’s no way to compete). These skills can be transferred into the classroom, helping children do better academically and focus on their studies.
Best for promoting well-being
This is not to demonize using the device, but you must understand that there are some major drawbacks to the device, such as poor health. Depending on a child's age and who they interact with online, they may compare themselves or become Victims of cyberbullying.
So, as a parent, you just need to understand that modern life can be stressful, even for children. The pressure of school, extracurricular activities, and social expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yes, even for pre-teens! Therefore, engaging in screen-free hobbies allows children to relax and unwind from these stresses.
Honestly, it's a really good idea to take part in activities like yoga and mindfulness, or just spend time in nature, which can be incredibly calming. They help children develop mechanisms to cope with stress and anxiety, promoting better mental health. Alternatively, why not look into creative outlets such as journaling or drawing, which also provide a safe space for expressing emotions and processing experiences?
Ideal for building family bonds
A hobby away from screens isn’t just beneficial for individual children, it’s also a great way to bring families closer together. Honestly, it's a really good idea to share some hobbies with your kids. In most cases, these don't really cost any money. For example, you could try some common activities together, such as hiking, cooking, or playing board games, to create opportunities for quality family time. These precious moments help build strong, supportive family bonds. Plus, think of all the sweet memories!
Why kids can have screen-based hobbies
Well, the above, to some extent, takes away from some screen hobbies and why your kids should try to stay away from screens. But honestly, not all screen activity is bad. In fact, having a few, like a pair, is actually good for your child's development!
Great for self expression
If you think about it, there are a lot of screen-based hobbies that foster creativity. For example, digital drawing tools, music creation software, and video editing applications allow children to express themselves artistically in ways that traditional media cannot. So overall, these platforms can be a great introduction to various creative fields, inspiring future interests and even career paths.
Great for cognitive health
Here's a great scenario: If your kids are home on a rainy day and you're busy doing things around the house, and they don't have siblings and can't go to their friends' houses, what can they do? What if they are a loner kind of person? What if you wanted to boost their cognitive health? Well, sure, there are books and old-fashioned puzzles, but kids usually don't care much about those.
So it can be great to use the screen for hobbies or entertainment. Here is an example: maybe they like to play chess, but they have no one to play with (when it comes to physical games and scenarios). Instead, they can play it on their phone or computer. They're having fun, and they're strengthening their brains, which shows that they don't always need other people to entertain them.
Encourage social connections
This is consistent with what was said above; it can be a challenge to expect a child to socialize when the environment is clearly not conducive to the child. Therefore, it’s really helpful to look into screen-based hobbies because they can also promote social connection. Online multiplayer games like Roblox allow children to play and communicate with friends or peers from around the world.
These interactions can be positive experiences that teach children about teamwork, collaboration, and cultural diversity. In a gentle environment, these games can help children develop social skills and build friendships, especially for those who may have difficulty interacting face-to-face. Obviously, you have to keep an eye on your kids and make sure they're not talking to anyone annoying and, ideally, they're just talking to people their own age (friendly people).
Contributes to technical proficiency
Of course, it depends on what it is, but this is definitely something super good for kids! Again, this really depends on what it is, but if it's a simulation game that teaches the basics of programming like a coding game to develop strategic thinking, then these activities can provide kids with valuable skills that are useful in education and will become increasingly important in the future job market. Plus, who knows, maybe this love, this hobby, can actually help them create something huge!
