HELPING OUR KIDS UNPLUG FROM TECHNOLOGY AND ENGAGE WITH GOD ’ S CREATION
By Eryn Lynum
IN a society increasingly dominated by technology , it ’ s challenging to encourage our kids to set their devices down and step outside into God ’ s created world . Yet just like in a healthy ecosystem in nature , we can restore balance in our kids ’ lives and help them spend their childhood as God intends . It begins by identifying what doesn ’ t belong or is out of balance .
MAKING “ THE BEST USE OF THE TIME ” OUTDOORS
When we become aware of distractions vying for our kids ’ attention and time , we can help them gravitate toward native pastimes — how God wants them to spend childhood — such as playing outside in creation . “ Look carefully then how you walk ” becomes all the more urgent as we consider the trajectory of modern childhood .
From birth to age eighteen , we have 936 weeks in which we get to raise our kids . For adoptive families , that time can be even shorter . Today ’ s average child spends 205 weeks ( nearly 22 % of their childhood ) with a digital device . Compare that to the 4.55 weeks ( 0.48 % of their childhood ) that they spend outdoors .
IDENTIFYING INVASIVE PASTIMES
Have you ever looked at a natural area and wondered if its plants belong where they are ? As a certified Master Naturalist , this is a question I often ask : Is the vegetation I see supposed to be here , or have invasive plants snuck in ? Despite its beauty , I know that a meadow , forest , or field might be overrun with invasive plants that harm its ecosystem .
Perhaps you haven ’ t considered invasive plants much , but as a parent or grandparent , you have probably thought about invasive pastimes encroaching on today ’ s kids . Like a plant that is not natural to the landscape , invasive pastimes like technology and media can wreak havoc if left unchecked .
Raising four children , my husband and I have struggled with keeping technology balanced in our home . We have to regularly check in and ensure our family is living in light of God ’ s glory and eternity and not for worthless things . Ephesians 5:15-16 warns us , “ Look carefully then how you walk , not as unwise but as wise , making the best use of the time because the days are evil .” Left to default , we ’ re prone to spend our time on wasteful things . We don ’ t want to squander these childhood days , but instead , like Psalm 90:12 says , learn to “ number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom .”
24 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW