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Screens are everywhere, and like magic, they keep kids quiet, still, and entertained. While screens have their moments of glory, too much screen time can lead to meltdowns, restlessness, and the dreaded “zombie stare”. Sometimes, what your child needs is not another cartoon episode or mobile game, regardless of whatever benefits they may have.
Incorporating movement breaks is a more balanced way to get their bodies moving and keep their brain on track. These breaks help your child refocus, regulate energy, and even develop motor skills, all the while having fun. Here are seven fun alternatives for screen time that can help keep your bright little one from turning into a couch potato:
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Animal Action Time
If you have a preschooler, the animal action time could be a fun way to help them learn and get away from the screen as well. The idea is simple. You call out an animal, and your child has to move like it. Frog jumps across the room, crab walking down the hall, or the elephant stomping are fun and interactive ways to keep their bodies physically active, their minds mentally engaged, and away from the screen.
To keep it fresh, you can even create an “animal dice” with images or words on each side. Then, take turns rolling. For extra benefits, you can ask your child to describe how the animal moves. This game is great for energetic kids and the little ones who love to pretend play.
Hallway Hopscotch
If you have a large hallway, this idea will work great for you. Get a masking tape and create a basic hopscotch grid with numbers one to nine. You can then add fun challenges in some boxes, such as do a spin or touch your nose and hop. For kids who like or need structure, Hallway Hopscotch is great. Not only does it allow movement, but it boosts balance, coordination, and mind-body connection. It’s also an easy way to practice number recognition and counting for little learners.
Superhero Strength Moves
Kids love superheroes, so this is an opportunity for you to turn their fascination into strength-building fun. You can try ‘Hulk’ wall push-ups, where you place your hands on the wall and push. The Spider-Man lunges where you get low and reach forward like you are scaling a wall is also great.
These moves promote muscle development and give kids the feeling that they are strong, like their favorite characters. These movement breaks are similar to exercises used in cerebral palsy treatment to build strength and improve mobility, but they work for all kids.
The Balloon Bounce Challenge
The balloon bounce challenge is always a hit with kids, and it’s one simple activity to do during summer. Just blow up a balloon and challenge your child to keep it in the air without using their hands. They can switch it up though, using their knees, elbow, or even their head. For an extra level of difficulty, use a timer and see how long they can go.
The goal is to keep your kid alert and reactive. Plus, it improves their hand-eye coordination and reflexes. If you have more than one child, make it into a tournament. Siblings love to compete, healthily.
Treasure Hunt Dash
If your kid is a problem solver or has a competitive spirit, you can never go wrong with a treasure hunt dash. It’s one way you can give your kids both a mental and physical challenge. Hide five to 10 items around the house (small toys, shapes, or even alphabet letters). Give your child a checklist or clues like “find something soft,” or “find something blue.”
For younger kids, use picture cues. For older kids, use riddles or timed challenges. The physical part comes in the dashing, running back and forth between rooms, or crawling under tables to find the items. You could also add a little bell or buzzer for extra excitement.
Pillow Path Balance Game
For adventurous kids or those who need help with coordination, you can play the pillow path balance game. All you need to get started is to throw some couch pillows on the floor and declare the carpet “lava”. Then, kids must make their way from one side of the room to the other by stepping only on the pillows.
They must not touch the floor. You can also add challenges like hopping on one foot or walking backwards to support balance, coordination, and even risk assessment. Your kids can get creative with their ideas as they invent their own rules.
Simon Says: Wiggle Edition
You can add a movement-focused twist to the classic “Simon Says” game. Instead of simple commands like touch your nose, you can give full-body commands like “jump three times,’’ and “spin like a ballerina”. The idea and trick is to mix it up with slow moves and fast ones to keep the kids mentality alert and physically active. It’s also one way to work on their listening skills and impulse control.
Wrapping Up
The screens are fine on occasion, but they should not be the main character. Opting for these alternative screen time activities is one way to help your child self-regulate, refocus, and feel better and more confident in their bodies. When your little one gets the glazed-over stare or the post-screen squirms, try one of these fun ideas.
