Why we chose to unplug a little

After the NewYear the family agreed to a trial unplugging. No computer, iPod, iPad, phones or t.v. after 7p.m. We wanted to see what it was like to focus more on "what matters most". Although electronics are entertaining, there was so little conversation and connection going on even though we were all in the same house, because of it. 6 months sounded like a very long time but a reward made it seem doable. And its not like we were unplugging completely, just weekdays. 

 So here is what a typical day can look like before 7. Each kid looking at some kind of screen. Its fairly quiet and very clean but completely isolated.

And then after 7:00. Huge difference. Lots of noise and a little mess but most of it laughter and skill building. 

I love it! The kids love it! 

We have played so many games, read several books, talked, joked, built. Its been great! Once in a while the kids try to sneak to a friends house to watch some t.v. but most of the time the friends are here, playing. 

As the trial period ended this week the kids were happy to say they were done unplugging. Im not convinced that they are happier plugged in. We likely will be trying it again after school gets back in and who knows, we may even do it on our own out of habit?!