Keeping their kids ‘unplugged’
7/5/2023It’s time to put down the cell phones, iPads and video game controllers and turn off the TV, computers and streaming services. It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to get moving, exploring and enjoying the myriad of fun activities available. This summer, stave off your kids’ “I’m bored” blues by trying something new or rediscovering good old-fashioned fun. It all starts with hitting the “off” button on electronics.
Anna and Matt Boot
Achieving a balance
Anna Boot and her husband, Matt, are raising their kids, Henry, 8, and Holland, 6, in Adel. They plan to spend their summer days more off screens and having fun together. The family has compiled a summer bucket list that consists of being in nature, riding their bikes, going to the park, reading along with the library reading program, and visiting local hotspot Billy’s Ice Cream Store. The summer bucket list is growing, with each family member contributing ideas.
“My kids spend lots of time outside playing with their friends in the neighborhood. I love living in a small town where they can do that like I did as a kid,” Anna says. “I usually get more pushback from telling them to come inside for dinner. Not as much from screen time limits. They often ask for permission to go back outside before bedtime.
“I think it’s all about balance — teaching them that screens can be used as a tool, and our life doesn’t have to revolve around them.”
Source: Adel Living, June 2023; by Chantel Boyd
Holly Anderson
Passion for library, books
Summertime in the Anderson family consists of frequent trips to the West Des Moines Public Library, not just to check out books, but to participate in dozens of activities.
Holly Anderson of West Des Moines is a professed book lover. As a former teacher and now a stay-at-home mom, she began bringing her newborn daughter, Lottie, to baby story time at the library. When her two other children were born, she brought them to toddler programs and other activities.
“I’ve been coming here (West Des Moines Public Library) almost every week since my youngest was born, and that was 10 years ago,” she explains.
Holly suggests find many local, free things to do in the Des Moines metro. They check out an Adventure Pass from the WDM Public Library, which offers free admission to the Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center of Iowa and other local attractions.
“There’s always something to find at the library. Reading books and having access to books means success for kids to have a good reading background,” says Holly.
Source: West Des Moines/Jordan Creek Living, June 2023, by Jackie Wilson
Michelle Marie and Brooklynn Cooper
Keeping kids busy
Michelle Marie Cooper operates a home daycare — with the help of her daughters, including Brooklynn — for school-age kids, so she is well-versed in keeping kids active. Having cared for kids for more than 25 years, she knows that being unplugged, especially in the summer, benefits children’s development.
Michelle’s daughters knew firsthand how being unplugged during the summer supported their development; now, they are helping their mom do the same for other children.
“They help me research and plan activities and go along with us on field trips when we need another set of hands.”
Michelle says it is important to keep the kids busy but not so busy they don’t have time to play and use their imaginations. Michelle shares that these kid-led activities often turn out to be the most memorable.
“Sometimes, the best way to keep kids busy is to give them the freedom to help plan their day. On days we don’t have something scheduled, we will get together and come up with some ideas of what they would like to do.”
Source: Altoona Living, June 2023, by Chantel Boyd
The Olsons
Generations work together
Although Kelli and Dan Olson and their daughter, Lily, 8, live in Bondurant, and Kelli’s mom, Julie Thede, lives in Indianola, they spend a lot of time together, especially in the summer, making crafts.
Her parents and grandmother all help Lily spend time “unplugged” in a variety of other activities, like riding her bike, creating sidewalk chalk art, blowing bubbles, playing on playgrounds, and petting neighborhood animals. Lily’s mom and grandma also take her to the local library to participate in the activities.
Because Julie is retired, she has time for activities with Lily while her mom is working.
“As a lifetime crafter, I’m always ready to do activities with Lily, and she is always ready to participate,” says Julie.
Kelli and Dan also make an effort to limit their screen time to ensure they stay present.
“It’s easy to get lost in electronics and forget to be in the moment. So putting them away ensures we engage with our sweet little girl,” says Kelli. ♦
Source: Bondurant Living, June 2023, by Chantel Boyd
