While I have a soft spot for all things that begin with a lowercase “i,” my enthusiasm wanes when it comes to the behaviors that often accompany excessive screen time. I dislike the constant urge to check my messages throughout the day. I find it frustrating to unintentionally tune out my children as I focus on typing responses. I also do not appreciate the incessant requests from my kids regarding device usage or the demands for new app downloads. The loud chatter from their gameplay and the inevitable negotiations about screen time can be overwhelming.
Recently, my partner and I made a rather unconventional decision in our tech-obsessed household: we opted to leave the iPads behind during our vacation in Mexico. To be fair, we didn’t completely abandon our devices—after all, we had some “important” matters to attend to. This was more of a social experiment for us. Navigating a long journey involving a flight, customs, and a taxi ride without our children’s favorite screens seemed risky.
Surprisingly, when we announced our decision, our kids didn’t revolt. Instead, they began brainstorming alternative activities for the trip. They willingly engaged in games like hangman, journaling, coloring, and reading together. Although they expressed a desire for their iPads occasionally, they mostly found joy in poolside fun and beach play. They even picked up card games and engaged in imaginative play.
While our children managed to thrive without technology for a week, it wasn’t without its challenges. This experience led me to reflect on the pervasive nature of technology in our lives. It made me ponder what we did as kids in a world devoid of smartphones and tablets. Did we drive our parents crazy with our complaints of boredom every five minutes, just as our children do when screens are off-limits?
Of course, we had our own technological distractions in the ‘80s, such as Nintendo and handheld games. We played classics like Pac-Man and Frogger and lived through the dawn of MTV and after-school specials. I even reached out to friends on social media to reminisce about our childhood activities before the digital era.
The most popular pastime was biking. In the ‘80s, we enjoyed the freedom to ride around town, exploring independently—a bit like Elliot and friends discovering E.T. in the bushes. Another favorite was creating choreographed dances and plays, which many girls, including myself, were passionate about. I still get nostalgic when I hear songs from that era, recalling the dreams of dancing like Alex Owens from Flashdance.
Here’s a list of activities we enjoyed as children long before iDevices took over:
- Unsupervised Exploration: We could leave home in the morning and roam freely until dinner.
- Making ‘Food’ from Nature: My sister and I would create pizzas from dirt and tree debris, illustrating our creativity outdoors.
- Bug Collecting: Gathering grasshoppers, ladybugs, and other critters was a regular activity.
- Playing WAR: A simple card game that provided hours of entertainment.
- Cops and Robbers: Engaging in role-play games was a favorite pastime.
- Fort Building: We transformed sheets and blankets into elaborate forts for play.
- Street Games: Baseball and kickball in the neighborhood were common.
- Making Mixed Tapes: The art of recording our favorite songs was a cherished activity.
- DIY Gymnastics: We practiced flips and tricks in our backyards without the pressure of formal lessons.
- Doorbell Ditching: A classic way to entertain ourselves when boredom struck.
- Selling Goods: We would go door-to-door offering car washes, lemonade, and other services.
- Running Through Sprinklers: With no pools in sight, we spent hours playing in the water.
- Tree Climbing: I have fond (and slightly painful) memories of climbing trees with friends.
Those were simpler times, and I often wish my children could experience the freedom and creativity I enjoyed as a kid. What will they look back on fondly from their childhood? As the pioneers of social media, they might have valuable insights to share about this interconnected world we navigate today.
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Summary: This article reflects on the experience of going on vacation without digital devices, prompting a nostalgic look back at childhood activities before technology took over. It highlights the importance of creativity and outdoor play while suggesting a balance between screen time and imaginative activities for today’s children.