5 Best Screen-free Activities For 10-Year-Olds
As much as there is talk about the harmfulness of screen time for children and adults, spending time in front of the screen is a reality we cannot escape.
Therefore, it is challenging today to limit children's screen time when you also spend much time in front of the screen.
The best way to reduce your child's time in front of the screen is to offer him enough fun, screen-free activities to keep him occupied and entertained.
Good old screen-free fun has not gone out of fashion, and in this article, we will give you various fun suggestions for your child.
We even have amazing products that will provide a great alternative to screen time, but more on that in the article, so keep on reading.
Why is Too Much Screen Time Bad For Kids?
By screen time, we mean the time spent on the phone, computer, and TV.
For your child, this usually means time spent on social media, playing online video games, and binging their favorite cartoons on Netflix.
These are all normal things today, so what's the problem?
The problem occurs when children spend too much time in front of screens.
So much time that everything else becomes boring to them, and that's how we get into various problems, even addictions, such as phone addiction.
Usual problems regarding too much screen time are:
Sleep deprivation - Children often choose to play video games or watch Tik Toks rather than sleep.
But even when they want to sleep, they will not be able to fall asleep because excessive stimulation before going to sleep does not allow the brain to "turn off" and rest.
Obesity: Screen time means very little or no physical activity unless the kids play some VR games where they actually have to move and physically participate.
Because of this lack of physical activity, weight gain and child obesity can occur. If children eat unhealthy snacks during the time they spend in front of the screen, the chances are even higher.
Decreased interest in off-screen activities: The child becomes less engaged in their real-time environment. Because of this, grades in school can drop drastically, and interest in hobbies that don't involve screens can suddenly stop.
Decrease in communication and social skills: Although children today socialize through social networks and games, there must be real-life socialization and conversation in their lives.
How to Limit The Time Children Spend in Front of The Screen?
It's impossible to ban screen time for kids completely, and you shouldn't try.
Smartphones and modern video gaming consoles are great things, and it is normal for children to be interested in them.
If you think your child spends too much time in front of the screen, you should limit that time.
Setting healthy limits is the key; here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Determine How Much Time Daily Your Kid is Allowed to Be On Screens
How much does your child spend a day on the phone or playing video games a day?
Any parent will say too much.
Let's look at some numbers that may shock you.
Since your child is a ten-year-old, we take into account the statistics for that age.
The maximum screen time for a 10-year-old kid should be 1-2 hours, 2 hours on weekends.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average daily hours on screens for 10-year-olds is 6 hours.
The older the child, the higher the numbers.
2. Let Your Child Know That Responsibilities Come First
Ok, your child agrees with your rule about 1-2 hours of screen time daily, but there is one catch.
A child must finish his chores, homework, sports activities, and household chores, and only then can he enjoy Xbox, YouTube, Tik Tok, etc.
3. Set an Example For Your Child
If you are constantly in front of the screen, you cannot ask your child otherwise.
You don't always have to check the phones, especially during lunch or dinner when the whole family is at the table.
What's the point of everyone looking at their phones instead of talking about their day?
We know that everyone loves TV diners, and they think that food tastes better while watching TV, but it's still better to talk to each other than to stare at the TV while eating.
4. Encourage Your Child to Enjoy Non-screen Activities
You have to offer your child alternatives to those magical but addictive screens.
It can seem tough, but we have great suggestions and awesome STEM kits for kids to help you do it.
What Are The Best Screen-free Activities For 10-Year-Olds?
A ten-year-old child has entered the teenage years, so he can get angry with you if you treat him like a small child.
Here are some great non-screen activities for 10-year-olds:
1. Engage in Sports Activities
Sports and physical activity are always good choices.
Whatever sport you choose, you won't go wrong; the only thing that matters is that your child likes it.
And yes, don't be lazy and refuse to play catch with your kid when you get home from work.
2. Go on Field Trips
Even though your child sometimes seems glued to the screen, take him somewhere you haven't been before.
A good suggestion for that is a museum or a theater.
We know that it is often thought that children are not interested in such things, but that is a mistake.
You can also spend quality time in some beautiful nature near your home.
3. Get Artsy and Musical
Art is always a good choice for creative expression.
Coloring, drawing, painting, sculpturing, whatever your child likes the most.
Maybe an artist is hiding in him, waiting to be discovered.
And music is an art so you can buy your child an instrument.
Just don't complain if he plays too loud.
4. Cook Together
Cooking is always a practical skill your child will surely need.
You don't have to complicate it with complex recipes; just the basic ones are enough.
5. Encourage Your Child to Participate in Household Chores
Housework can be boring, but it's also a part of life.
The more your child is involved in them, the more he will grow into a responsible adult who knows how to take care of himself.
Also, get your child involved when doing a project around the house, such as some house repairs.
Why Are DIY STEM Kits Perfect For Your Kid?
We are exceptionally pleased to be able to offer you a product that will answer everything you need to separate your child from the screen.
Why are we so sure?
What can be concluded from all these suggestions is that the child should be offered something that will spark his imagination, make him curious, entertain him, and teach him new skills.
If you agree, then our products are the perfect choice for your child.
By combining STEM education and DIY projects, we have come up with great results that kids love.
You probably know how important STEM education is for children, not only to acquire skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
STEM education is essential for acquiring practical skills such as following instructions, critical thinking, working in a team, thinking about new ideas, etc.
Our products work by you selecting a STEM box or Bundle from our gift shop.
The product arrives at your home address in parts.
Although that seems confusing, this is the point.
While assembling the product following the detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, your child learns various new skills.
And, of course, there is that rewarding feeling when your child manages to put together his first DIY project.
Small successes like this boost your child's confidence and desire for further learning.
Our products stimulate children's curiosity and desire to learn, all in a fun way.
Through fun, your child will learn about the terms such as robots, programming, coding, and similar.
Also, don't worry about the child's socialization because our products encourage teamwork.
And you know yourself that creativity is contagious.
We have to suggest some of our favorites that can be the perfect gift for your child, namely:
Wacky Robots STEM Box - this fantastic set of robots will teach your child about the world of electronics. Each robot is a story in itself, and there are also collectible trading cards.
Music Bundle - is your child interested in music? This bundle can allow him to be a DJ and master of the best synths. Everything you need for a future music star is here.
Gaming Bundle - we know you're thinking about cutting down on your kid's gaming time, but this is different. The point is that your kid builds his own console and then codes video games onto it. This is a unique approach to video games, gaming but in a CircuitMess way.
We hope you've found something you think your child will love and that STEM magic will make him want to spend less screen in front of the screens.