Electronics can be an overwhelming presence in our lives these days, and their use has become a topic of debate and source of guilt for families everywhere. Between our smartphones, iPads, home computers, video games, and high def TVs (complete with DVR), electronics are woven into the fabric of American life whether we like it or not.

There is no question that too much screen time can have detrimental effects and that many parents of young children feel guilty or torn about allowing any screen time at all. No one likes the thought of their child staring at the electric glow of a screen all day, but some purposeful screen time can open new opportunities for learning and sharing in our homes that was never possible before.

NOT ALL BAD

The Internet can be invaluable for learning about all kinds of topics and interests. Aside from many academic websites geared toward “school” activities, the Internet can also be a wealth of opportunity for out of the box exploration. Here are some of my favorite examples:

• The American Library Association has released a list of the Great Websites For Kids, a collection of reliable sources for kids to use to research topics of all kinds.

• Sites like The Mystery Class by Journey North immerse you in a mystery that requires students to use their geography and science skills to find ten secret sites around the world. Hands-on (paper and pencil) mapping and graphing skills are easily integrated into this fun activity.

• Broadcasts from wildlife webcams allow you to watch a mother and baby bear in their den, or a baby falcon hatching in its nest in real time. The World Wildlife Federation and Journey North are two examples of sites that host these type of nature cams.

• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology website provides bird call identification apps that can be loaded on to your mobile phone for use when you are out birding, along with other fascinating regional bird facts and information.

A WINDOW INTO OTHER WORLDS 

The Internet allows us access to cultures and places that in the past could only be extensively experienced through travel. International news, video clips, and websites dedicated to entire cultures and ways of life are now a Google search away. For those of us in less than diverse rural areas, the Internet can provide opportunities to connect to the global community and to appreciate the culture, perspectives, languages, and lifestyles throughout the world. In just a few minutes and without leaving your home, you can find music, recipes, art, and history of almost any culture or region. Virtual access like this can quite literally open a world of possibilities for homeschoolers.

SCREEN TIME TOGETHER

Sitting together and watching a favorite show or movie, and sharing a laugh with your children over a bowl of popcorn, can be a great way to spend time together. Sharing a movie, a favorite TV show, or even playing certain screen-based games together can be quality time if you use it as an opportunity for just that. Instead of using screen time as a way to occupy your children, try using screen time as an opportunity for some quiet time together, as a way to share interests, or for some family fun on a rainy day. For suggestions on family friendly movies and TV shows, you can always rely on Common Sense Media.

SCREEN-FREE FUN

We all know that too much screen time is not good for children or adults. Some of us have managed to maintain tech-free homes, but these days most of us rely on some type of technology in our everyday lives. It is easy to let screens become an ever present force in our lives, and so it is important to power down frequently and get outside for some good old fashioned fun, too!

Let’s face it, some things are better enjoyed offline: