Nowadays, children are spending a lot of their spare time playing on digital devices such as smartphones and games consoles. While these are great for keeping them entertained for hours on end, parents are rightfully concerned with how this might be affecting their mental health and cognitive development. With that said, here are five ideas for screen free activities that you could try, suggested by a prep school in Hertfordshire.

1. Arts & Crafts

Creative pursuits are a great way for children to spend their time because they are fun and relaxing, and a way for youngsters to express themselves. They are also fantastic for helping them develop their fine motor skills which are used in everyday life and often taken for granted. So, make sure your child has plenty of pens, pencils, paint, paper, and other craft materials so they can get started.

2. Board Games

Playing board games with your child is a fantastic opportunity for you to bond as a family and explore various skills, like teamwork, for instance. Your options are endless when it comes to board games, from the old favourites like Scrabble and Monopoly, to something more practical like Charades or Pictionary. 

3. Walking

When the weather allows for it, try and get out for a nice walk through nature with your youngster. You can practise mindfulness on your walk by tuning into the senses, which is great for their mental health. You can also teach them about the trees and wildlife you spot along the way. Anything that involves physical exercise and fresh air is also fantastic for your child’s physical health so it’s certainly worth getting out and about from time to time. 

4. Reading

The benefits of reading for children are endless, from improved spelling and grammar, to enhanced general knowledge. Reading is also a form of entertainment and relaxation, similar to screen time but in a more educational manner. 

5. Science Experiments

If you’re looking for ways to support your child academically, why not consider trying out some science experiments at home. You’ll be able to find an abundance of ideas on the internet, with instructions, and you probably already have the equipment lying around your home in the form of standard household items.