Throw a block party. Micro-local gatherings of neighbors get people out of their homes, reduce isolation and increase trust, so kids can walk down the street to see if Jimmy’s home to play! For guidance and inspiration, visit BlockPartyUSA.org.
Get a landline. Dial tones are back! Kids will learn to really listen and call their friends and family without you, postponing the need for a mobile phone. Also, the joy of the RING RING! You’ll love it too. For more information, visit LandlineKids.org.
Let your child do something they’ve never done on their own. Offer “I did it myself” moments. Ask what they’d like to do without you, agree on something, then sit on your hands and let them try! For ideas, tools, and a kick in the pants, visit Let Grow.
Start the conversation with other parents. This movement to restore childhood took off when parents started talking. Broach the topic at soccer games, on the playground, at home — anywhere you can — to get people thinking, considering, reimagining. Browse parent resources through The Anxious Generation.
Read aloud to kids and teens. Story time doesn’t have to end, ever. Grab the nearest book (now!), borrow your favorite childhood novels from the library, find 10 minutes and connect with your family through stories. Inspired by The Read-Aloud Family.
Consider a simple (“dumb”) phone. If you’d like to give your child a communication device, consider a starter phone and encourage other parents to do the same. Explore some options at dumbwireless, Dumb.co and Wait Until 8th.