Our Family Is Going Unplugged This Week!

We are the typical modern family. We have a computer and laptop, cell phones, tablet readers, an X-box… So many ways to keep in touch with family, friends and the wider world!  That’s a wonderful thing, a privilege, a joy… but it also takes over at times.  Phone rings?  Gotta go get it… and talk with friends or family.  Have an idle moment? Ahh… well, let’s just check email (or for the kids, play Minecraft or an electronic game).  Can’t sleep, Netflix or e-books are always there with a soft glow in the night.

Now, we do have limits… the kids have to use a timer and can only have an hour of electronic time each day, but to be honest, when I was so sick this year there have been plenty of times where I *knew* one hour had slid by and I didn’t go shut things down and kick the kids off.

Last Monday, Hubby and I took the kids to the Baltimore aquarium after my post-op at Johns Hopkins (for my 6th surgery in 10 months. Ack!). We got to talking about our (collective, not just the kids!) use of electronics.  We decided to have an UNPLUGGED week.  Time to turn off the devices, ignore the phone (as much as possible!) and find other things to do. We’ll be spending a lot of time out in nature and will pack in some books, games and old fashioned toys (jump rope, ball) to keep us busy and having fun.

That said, I won’t be on Facebook or Twitter (which I’m terrible at anyway!!).  I do have posts lined up for those of you gearing up for the school year (or those of you already in full swing!) each morning this next week, so keep checking the blog for these posts:

• The National Aquarium (tomorrow/Sunday)
• A Huge List of Activities to do with your Tot and Preschooler (Monday)
• Preschool at Home Posts – for math, science, learning letters and more (the rest of the week through Saturday)

But as for reaching a real live me? That will have to wait til after Labor Day!

Have a wonderful week!!

~Liesl