Having Fun with Family Time
Pry Your Tween Away from Video Games and Get Active
Tweens are knee-deep in an age of technology. They have video games, virtual pets, and so much more that controls their time. Make some family time with these ideas.
Many tweens are addicted to high-tech gadgets like video games, and turning in their outdoor play time for television shows and computer games. There also seems to be a competition among this age group as to who gets the latest and greatest stuff first. While some of these activities can be challenging, and maybe even educational, too much of a good thing can be bad. Sadly, most of the games and television shows tweens are involved with are not good for them in any way, shape, or form.
Here's a scary fact:
"Lots of TV watching and video game playing have been associated with a range of problems: poor grades, obesity, distractibility, aggression, hyperactivity, and increased parent-child conflicts." (The Everything Tween Book)
So, how do you convince your child that spending some quality time with family is just as much fun as video games and horror films? Here are some ideas that just might do the trick:
- Stock up on board games that have won awards such as the Parent's Choice Award or have been designated with the Parent's Seal of Approval. These games are likely great for encouraging brain power, imagination, and fun. Family game nights are a lot of fun for everyone.
- Consider getting your tween a pet. Dog ownership is a great motivator to get your child outside and develop a lasting friendship that will be hard to break. And, Fido will love everyone else in the family, too.
- Develop a hobby based on something that interests your tween. Don't ask if she wants to start a hobby, because more than likely the answer will be no. Instead, buy things like heart-shaped or flower stamps, a stamp album, and other accessories needed to start a stamp collection, and surprise her with it one day.
- Think about joining a family fitness center where you can go as a family to workout, swim, and play sports together.
- Have a Family Outing Night. Play putt-putt golf. Plan a night with the go-karts. Take in a movie every once in a while (as a family). Give the whole family a day to look forward to when you all know something fun is around the corner.
It all boils down to using imagination and honing in on your child's interests. There are lots of ways to keep your tween healthy and active, and have fun doing it.
Tip: Remember to set limits on the amount of time your tween gets to play high-tech gadgets and monitor what they are playing or watching. Parental involvement is the key to giving a child a well-balanced life.
