When There Were No Smartphones...

I once told my children that when I was a child, there were no smartphones, tablets or video games. The concept of technology in every pocket was pure science fantasy. Life was very different back then, yet it was nevertheless as enjoyable than it is now.

What did you do back then ? They asked

Playtime was outside

With no devices to distract us, we spent the most of our free time outside. From sunrise to sunset, the neighbourhood was our playground. We would ride bikes, climb trees, and play hide-and-seek and hopscotch.

Imagination was everything

We invented so many things. Sticks became swords and a cardboard box became a car. We'd collect our toys and create entire worlds!

Reading and Storytelling

Books were a major part of it. We would lose ourselves in the pages of a good book. When we weren’t reading, we might be listening to stories told by our parents or grandparents.

Social Life was Face-to-Face

We would knock on each other’s doors, asking if so-and-so could come out to play. There were no texts or social media to keep everyone connected. But everyone was happy. Whether it was playing a game of marbles, trading baseball cards, or simply chatting on the front porch, we had so much fun.

Challenges Were Different

Of course, life without technology had its challenges. If you wanted to know something, you’d have to look it up in a book or ask someone who knew. And if you got lost, there was no GPS to help you out. But these challenges taught us problem-solving skills.

Do you want us to go back to that time ? They asked again

You can't and you don't need to. That time is gone. However, technology is only here to make our lives easier. Not to take the place of childhood fun.

Ways to share our childhood fun with kids

Outdoor Play

• Nature Walks - Go to nearby parks, forests or nature trails
• Gardening - Involve them in planting and taking care of a garden
• Biking - Go for a bike ride

Creative Arts

• Drawing and Painting - Provide them with art supplies
• Crafts - Engage in paper crafts or other craft projects
• Music - Encourage learning a musical instrument or creating their own songs

Reading and Storytelling

• Books - Set up a home library or book corner. Make reading a daily habit
• Storytelling - Create and share stories together

Board Games and Puzzles

• Board Games - Play family-friendly board games like scrabble, memory games or strategy games
• Puzzles - Play jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles or Sudoku together.

Social Activities

• Playdates - Organize playdates with friends or neighbours.
• Community Events - Go to local events, fairs or workshops.
• Volunteering - Participate in community services or environmental clean-up activities.

Cooking and Baking

• Cooking - Involve them in preparing simple meals or snacks (family night meals)
• Baking - Bake cookies, cakes or bread together (don't wait for special events)

Science Experiments

• DIY Experiments - Do simple science experiments at home using household items.
• Nature Exploration - Observe insects, plants and animals or start a small rock collection. Kids love nature activities.
• Building Projects - Create projects like building a birdhouse

Key Takeaway

The early years of one's life are very important for building essential skills that shape their future. In these years, kids usually develop cognitive skills, social and emotional skills and motor skills.

These skills are crucial for handling life well and maintaining good health. If not taught correctly, technology can harm children, more than anyone else.

We can share our childhood memories with our kids by engaging in play based activities.

REFERENCE

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10122061/