Many psychologists and parents are concerned that technology is dramatically changing family life, invading a closed area where there should be high-quality emotional communication. There is no doubt that their concerns are valid.
What's wrong with gadgets?
More and more families spend their free time sitting in front of computers, tablets and other gadgets. With the advent and development of various virtual worlds, family leisure is being transferred to completely abstract areas where family members are physically close by, but in fact, their thoughts are carried away very, very far away. Psychologists say that excessive use of gadgets on the part of parents can even make a child doubt their own worth.
But is technology that bad?
However, there are cases when the latest technologies gain irreplaceable advantages. We're more than ever able to appreciate gadgets when someone in the family is away. It is technologies that help you stay in touch 24/7 and not interrupt communication for a moment.
Thanks to messengers, we always know where a child or an elderly family member is and don't worry about them.
In addition, video calling helps you communicate with relatives who live far away.
By the way, modern technologies even make it possible to organize joint leisure activities.
Ideas for family time when separated
#1 Organize a family movie
You can arrange a movie night and watch the same movie in different cities, commenting on your favorite or funny scenes in real time.
#2 Arrange a search quest
Create a list of items that can be found in any home and send them to the family chat. For example, an umbrella, a garlic press, a box of matches, a teapot, a spool of thread, batteries, etc. Now the participants' task is to find each of the items for speed. The first person to send a photo of the right thing to the chat gets a point, and everyone moves on to the second item, etc.
#3 Play a video game together
Pick a game that everyone likes and have a family tournament.
#4 Have a family workshop
We are sure that every person in your family has some kind of talent. Some people cook well, some can draw. Why not hold a family workshop and please your relatives with your attention?
#5 Take a walk around town together
If someone from the family is on a business trip to another city, invite them to take a virtual tour and show beautiful locations and sights with something interesting about them.
#6 Listen to music together
Arrange for someone from the family chat to add a new song every day that they like. Discuss tracks and share your emotions. All of this is incredibly close.
#7 Write a story
Someone from the family chat writes the first sentence to it. The next participant writes a sequel. The result is a funny family story that will remind you of happy moments together.
To make everything work out, it is better to distribute serial numbers among chat participants in advance.
#8 Organize a poetry contest
Write a few words in the chat that are not related to each other. For example, a cat, a cup, a forest, a fire. Now the participants' task is to come up with a short poem using all the words.
#9 Organize a delicious dinner for loved ones in another city
If you know exactly when they're coming home, order a delicious meal or cake to be delivered so they can enjoy drinking tea with it. Many companies have online orders, so technology can help you in this case.
#10 Have a family reading
A video call session can be cozy and “hugging” when you add reading a nice book before going to bed.
Is your child interested in technology? Write it down to free lesson at Progkids! We promise it won't be boring!
