In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, like many families, my children and I found ourselves glued to screens more than ever before. It all began that first Sunday after social distancing measures were enacted. When my phone’s screen time report came in, I was taken aback. The hours I had spent on my device were shocking, and I resolved to keep that number to myself. Ironically, I shared my first meme on social media about needing to distance myself from my phone—something I clearly wasn’t doing.
As screens became indispensable for education, work, and social interaction, they also turned into an escape. My kids relied on them for schooling, while I utilized technology to conduct Pilates classes and maintain connections. Yet, as a single parent, screens also provided brief moments of peace amid the chaos of daily life—an invaluable reprieve from the constant calls of “Mommy” echoing through our home.
Before the pandemic struck, I had attempted to impose limits on screen time for myself and my children, albeit with limited success. I was concerned about their posture, their dwindling ability to entertain themselves, and how absorbed they became in their devices, often tuning out the world around them. Sadly, those restrictions faded into memory as we adapted to a new, anxiety-laden routine where even grocery shopping felt like an expedition.
As we enter the fourth week of quarantine, the need to step away from screens has never been more pressing. Inspired by an interview with Mia Reynolds, who has enforced a screen-free day for her family for the past decade, I decided it was time to introduce this practice into our lives. From Friday night to Saturday night, her family completely disconnects from their devices.
At first glance, this concept seems daunting, especially now when information is racing across our screens at breakneck speeds. With kids home from school and deprived of their normal social interactions, it’s easy to think that unplugging is an impossible task. Not to mention, my kids would likely protest vigorously at the mere suggestion of a full 24 hours without screens.
However, perhaps we’re viewing the idea of unplugging from the wrong perspective. Instead of viewing it as a punishment or chore (I admit to having threatened my kids with screen bans during this time), we could see it as an opportunity. Reynolds describes a sense of liberation that comes from unplugging, a sentiment echoed by her children, who also look forward to their screen-free day. It’s a time for the family to reconnect, share, and express their needs.
Unplugging becomes a reward, fostering creativity and helping to distinguish the blend of days that have come to define quarantine life. Without the distractions of phones and the pressure of constant updates, Reynolds and her family enjoy meaningful Friday night dinners, delve into books without interruptions, and often find that the complaints of boredom lead to bursts of creativity. As it turns out, boredom can be a catalyst for creativity, a notion Reynolds firmly believes.
After experiencing two significant life events, Reynolds established her “no screen time for 24 hours” rule to regain focus on what truly matters. She argues that the current global crisis is similarly urging us to prioritize our health and family. In her book, she provides various engaging activities for families to explore while unplugged, including journaling. After all, we are living through a historical moment, and one day, we will be the storytellers of this chapter in history.
By setting aside screens—turning off laptops and taking up pen and paper—we allow ourselves to reconnect with our family and the world around us. In these times of uncertainty, prioritizing our well-being and relationships is essential.
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Summary
In the midst of the pandemic, embracing a screen-free day each week can offer families the opportunity to reconnect, foster creativity, and prioritize health. By viewing unplugging as a reward rather than a punishment, families can engage more deeply with one another and the world around them.