Screen Free Week: What to do with 32 extra hours a week.

Can you image how much you could get done with an extra 32 hours a week? Did you know the average preschool child spends 32 hours per week in front of a screen. How much time do you spend in front of a screen? Some people are required to use computers all day at work but what about outside of work? It can be hard to break a deep rooted habit but you will be so happy with the results!

Need some inspiration? I have link some of the activities to recipes, DIY or just more information on the activity.

Fun for the whole family

• Listen to the radio
• Write a letter
• Shoot some hoops
• Paint a picture
• Plant a garden
• Read a book
• Volunteer
• Read to someone else
• Go swimming
• Make a puppet show
• Redecorate your house
• Make cookies
• Play tag
• Fly a kite
• Go for a hike
• Play cards
• Make a fort
• Have a dance party
• Ride a bike
• Write a story together
• Visit the zoo
• Go to a museum
• Play frisbee
• Go ouside and use some sidewalk chalk or sidewalk chalk paint.
• Blow bubbles
• Pretend. Pretend to fly, pretend to cook, just pretend to do or be something.

If you live in Hamilton ON, I have found a list of bicycle lessons offered by the outdoor recreation department.

Downtime for yourself

• Paint a picture, a mural or a room.
• Learn to change the oil or tire on a car. Fix something.
• Write a letter to a friend or relative.
• Read magazines or newspapers. Swap them with friends.
• Go through your closets and donate items to Goodwill
• Start a diary/journal.
• Play cards.
• Try a new craft.
• Do a crossword puzzle or play Sudoku.
• Save money: cancel your cable TV!
• Take an early morning walk.
• Attend a community concert.
• Walk to work or school.
• Look for treasures at a yard sale.
• Learn yoga.

If you like the little activity list I created - I have a checklist to help prepare for a week of fun!

Looking for more? I have found 101 screen free activities for more inspiration.

My best advice:
Let your child get bored. When a child is aloud to be bored and free from overstimulation, they can reach great potential. Have you heard of Caine’s Arcade?

This little man had nothing more than some boxes, tape and his imagination to keep him busy and the lessons he learned one summer will stay with him for the rest of his life!

So, while I wanted to provide you with a list of activities you can do with your children (rather than sitting in front of a screen for 4.5 hours every day) I also want to encourage you to follow your child's lead!

Don`t forget, Screen Free Week takes place April 30 - May 6, 2012.