While digital devices have become a necessary component of our day-to-day life, it is common to see even baby boomers and preschoolers glued to their phones, laptops and tablets and a host of other gadgets.
So if you are looking to get off the grid and treat the family and the young kids to a much-needed vacation, it is important to set guidelines in order to strike a balance between using electronics and tuning into memory-making fun experiences. To help you find the right tech balance between the natural urge towards technology and memorable face-to-face family time, here are some ways which will help you sail through your vacation.
Incorporate Vitamin Sea
Pulling off a perfect tech-balanced family vacation is never easy, especially when you have young kids in tow. Fortunately, a cruise is known to deliver the perfect getaway to vow guests across multiple generations.
From a thrill-a-minute exploration of the Last Frontier to incredible Caribbean beaches to enjoy, cruise ships are laying the red carpet for kids for the perfect tech-balanced family vacation.
Let Technology Be a Part of the Fun
Start by asking the kids to make a playlist in order to keep the whole family entertained. Encourage them to install the Postino app that lets you create cards and send them online – no stamps needed.
You can also use technology more effectively by letting the kids map your planned activities and travel routes ahead of time using theme apps like Google Maps.
Set Boundaries
There is no need to ban screen time completely, instead set limits on its use. Consider allowing technology at specific times, like while traveling by car or plane.
Others set a time limit during the day, especially when young ones are sleeping or in the evening when you are back at your hotel or any other place of stay.
Bring Plenty of Entertainment
A great way to keep the kids engaged and happy without using tech gadgets is by bringing a number of entertainment options on the trip. Pack your child’s favorite toys or activity kits which your child enjoys.
Consider bringing games that can fit easily into your backpack or audiobooks for older children to enjoy. If you are traveling by road, bring some books and recite stories to keep the kids occupied and minds diverted from mobile phones or tablets.
Walk the Walk
Don’t even bother balancing tech-free travel while on a holiday with kids, unless you are able to limit your own screen time and excessive use. Take full responsibility for your actions and address them first.
Get support online to find all the answers to your questions on sites like adult internet addiction camp or support for beating phone addiction.
Make Your Child Snap-Happy
Give your young child the task of documenting your vacation by taking photographs. This is a wonderful way to keep their minds diverted from using their mobile phone for browsing or playing games.
Ask them to use their phones instead to capture important moments of the trip and upload them on Snapchat to create a beautiful memory book.
This post first appeared on Mama Say What?!
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture.
