The newest trend with "electronic free" days, is just another thing I shake my head at and wonder why this is a bandwagon people are jumping on. To me, it's just common sense and nothing new. Maybe it has to do with my educational background, but doctors have been warning parents about screen time for years, even before technology was what is today. So, how have people not put the two together? People say, "My child watches barely any television." yet they are on their phone or tablet or video games. That is screen time people.
During the summer, my kids are rarely on any sort of electronic device. No TV, no computer, no video games, no phones. No, my children are not bored. Know what they do? They use their imaginations. My kids can spend literally all day in the pool and not get bored. I know kids who can't spend 30 minutes in the pool without having to take a selfie or check Snapchat. I know a lot of kids who, in summer, rarely get outside, but sit for hours in front of a TV playing video games. My kids can spend hours outdoors playing sports or making up their own games. They aren't posting to Instagram so everyone can see all the fun they are having. They are too busy having fun. When it comes to seeing who is around to play, the kids do text their friends who live further away, but usually, they just hop on their bikes and go to someone's house and knock on the door, like we used to do when we were kids.
So this "electronic free" sensation boggles my mind. When you aren't constantly trying to keep up appearances, of course you are less stressed and have more fun. When you actually interact with other humans face to face, of course you laugh more and have a good time. These are things that adults have found. Children are different. They get bored without something constantly giving them input. Of course this generation is more stressed. If you had constant input with no breaks, you'd be stressed, too. I know I sound like a broken record with this one, but it is up to parents to teach children responsible use of electronics. It's just as important to teach kids when to put them down as it is to teach them how to use them responsibly.
I guess my family is just ahead of the curve. If you want your new bandwagon to jump on, just take a look at what we're doing. Apparently we've always been ahead of our time (like Joseph and his dreamcoat....had to get music reference in here someplace!).