10 Great Reasons Why you should Organise your ‘no electronics’ Family night

Family nights in together don’t have to be big fancy affairs! We try to do one a fortnight, on a Friday so that if we run a little late for bedtime it doesn’t affect school the next day. You don’t need to overthink the activities or food. The point of having a family night is to spend time together away from the distractions of electronic gadgets and toys. Pull out those old battery-free favourites and spend time playing together with Lego, blocks, construction toys, board games or puzzles.

How to organise electronic free family night

Organising an electronic-free family night can be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, engage in quality time together, and foster meaningful interactions without the distractions of screens. Here are some steps to help you plan and organise an enjoyable electronic-free family night:

1. Set a Date and Time: Choose a convenient date and time that works for everyone in the family. Consider weekends or a specific weekday evening when everyone can participate without other commitments.
2. Communicate the Plan: Share the idea of an electronic-free family night with your family members well in advance. Explain the purpose of the evening and emphasize the importance of spending quality time together without electronic devices.
3. Decide on Activities: Collaboratively brainstorm activities that the whole family can enjoy. Encourage each family member to contribute ideas to ensure everyone feels involved and excited about the evening. Here are some activity suggestions:
   • Board Games: Dust off those board games and enjoy some friendly competition as a family. Select games that are age-appropriate and suitable for everyone’s interests.
   • Arts and Crafts: Engage in a creative activity such as drawing, painting, or crafting. Choose a theme or project that can be done collectively or individually.
   • Outdoor Adventures: Plan a nature walk, a family picnic, or a game of tag in the park. Spending time outdoors promotes physical activity and provides an opportunity for bonding.
   • Cooking or Baking Together: Prepare a meal or bake some delicious treats as a family. Involve everyone in the cooking process, from planning the menu to setting the table.
   • Storytelling or Reading: Gather together and take turns sharing stories or reading aloud. Choose a favourite book or explore new genres and authors.
   • Family Talent Show: Showcase everyone’s talents and skills. Encourage each family member to perform or showcase a unique talent, whether it’s singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or performing a skit.
4. Create a Screen-Free Environment: Prior to the family night, designate a specific area or room as an electronic-free zone. Put away smartphones, tablets, and other devices in a designated spot to minimize temptation and distractions. Consider using a basket or box where everyone can deposit their devices during the evening.
5. Establish Ground Rules: Set clear guidelines for the electronic-free family night. Discuss expectations such as no screen time, limited phone usage for emergencies, and full participation in the planned activities. Encourage open communication and respectful behaviour throughout the evening.
6. Make it Special: Enhance the atmosphere by adding some special touches. Light candles, set up cosy blankets and cushions, play soothing background music, or create a themed ambience that matches the activities planned for the evening.
7. Reflect and Discuss: At the end of the electronic-free family night, take some time to reflect on the experience. Discuss what everyone enjoyed, what they learned, and how it felt to disconnect from screens. Encourage open conversations about the value of spending quality time together as a family.

Remember, the goal of an electronic-free family night is to strengthen relationships, create lasting memories, and foster a sense of togetherness. By being intentional and committed to this dedicated time, you can create a meaningful and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Consider a carpet picnic for your evening meal followed by one or more of the activities mentioned above. All you have to do is get a selection of them and have them ready in your “play area”. You could even prepare for the evening by inviting each family member to bring one item they would like to share to the event. This ensures that everyone feels included and valued. And you’ll know that your child will bring something they love and is age appropriate to them.

These activities

• promote discussion and give us a chance to chat about our week
• provide an opportunity to learn rules and strategy
• include everyone no matter the age
• teach turn-taking and co-operation
• encourage laughter and silliness together
• allow us to be creative

What are the benefits of an electronic-free family night?

Organizing an electronic-free family night can bring about numerous benefits for both children and parents. Here are some of the advantages:

1. Enhanced Family Bonding: Removing electronic devices encourages meaningful interactions and strengthens family bonds. Without the distractions of screens, family members can engage in deeper conversations, actively listen to one another, and create stronger emotional connections.
2. Improved Communication Skills: Electronic-free family nights provide an opportunity for family members to practice effective communication skills. Without the interruptions of technology, children and parents can engage in uninterrupted conversations, share thoughts, express emotions, and actively participate in discussions.
3. Increased Creativity and Imagination: By removing electronic devices, children are encouraged to tap into their creativity and imagination. They have the opportunity to engage in imaginative play, explore artistic activities, and think outside the box. This promotes cognitive development and nurtures their creative thinking abilities.
4. Development of Social Skills: Electronic-free family nights offer a chance for children to develop and refine their social skills. They learn to take turns, negotiate, cooperate, and compromise during shared activities. Engaging in face-to-face interactions helps children understand social cues, practice empathy, and develop skills necessary for building positive relationships.
5. Quality Time and Presence: Electronic-free family nights allow family members to be fully present with one another. With undivided attention, parents can actively engage in their children’s lives, fostering a sense of emotional security and support. Children, in turn, feel valued, heard, and understood, strengthening their sense of belonging within the family.
6. Reduced Stress and Improved Well-being: Disconnecting from electronic devices can contribute to reduced stress levels for both children and parents. Screen time has been associated with increased feelings of stress and anxiety. By taking a break from screens, families can enjoy a more relaxed and tranquil environment, promoting overall well-being.
7. Strengthened Family Values: Electronic-free family nights provide an opportunity to reinforce family values and traditions. By engaging in activities together, families can pass down cultural practices, share stories, and instil important values such as teamwork, respect, and empathy.
8. Improved Sleep Patterns: Exposure to electronic screens, especially close to bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. Having an electronic-free family night helps establish a healthy evening routine, allowing children and parents to wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
9. Encouragement of Healthy Habits: Electronic-free family nights promote a balanced lifestyle by encouraging alternative activities that promote physical, social, and cognitive development. Whether it’s engaging in physical games, pursuing creative hobbies, or enjoying nature, families can embrace healthier habits together.
10. Building Lasting Memories: By creating dedicated electronic-free family nights, families have the opportunity to build lasting memories. These shared experiences and the joy derived from engaging in activities together contribute to a sense of unity, nostalgia, and rich family history.

Overall, electronic-free family nights provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen family bonds, promote meaningful interactions, foster creativity, and enhance overall well-being. By disconnecting from screens and embracing quality time together, families can cultivate a positive and nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of each family member.

Family nights are the perfect time to reconnect with your partner and children and have fun at the same time. Enjoy slowing down and really taking the time to talk and listen. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to go with no electronics and the benefits to your family will be immeasurable.

Carla

I am a preschool and primary school teacher and mum to 3 children. I have been involved in education since 1997 and have trained in a variety of educational specialist areas. It is with this expertise that I write articles to help parents and educators provide quality learning experiences for the children in their care.