Has anyone seen the blog, Unplugged Sunday? It is a collaborative effort of multiple writers, all on the theme of "unplugging" from electronics and media for one day each week--Sunday.
Ever since I stumbled upon the blog a few months ago, I have been thinking about trying it with our family. I have, in the past, implemented entire weeks with no electronics, and I always loved doing this--I loved the peace and quiet, the time to do more crafts and even cleaning, the artwork the children produced. But unfortunately, I don't think my family would appreciate it very much if I regularly said "no tv this week." Rather to my chagrin, my children really enjoy video games and DVDs. I limit the amount they can play/watch, but I still often feel that they stare at a screen more often than is healthy. I also don't like the fights that video games often seem to produce among them.
So I thought one day a week without technology might be nice. I spoke to Chris about the idea, and he was immediately on board--a gesture which I really appreciated, since he enjoys online games himself! And so this Sunday was our first Unplugged Sunday.
So all day yesterday, the computer and the television were off limits. I even unplugged them so they wouldn't get "accidentally" turned on. Yes, there were a few minor grumbles, but overall we had a lovely family day. We had a relaxed pancake breakfast; lots of reading happened; we made a baking soda and vinegar volcano, much to the delight of all; the children played outside for hours; and perhaps most importantly, the house had a very quiet, peaceful feeling all day. I think Unplugged Sunday will become a regular tradition in our family. For future Sundays, I would like to plan more specific activities to do as a family, such as board game tournaments, nature walks, and holiday crafts.
If anyone else is intrigued by the idea of Unplugged Sundays, here is a list of posts for those just getting started. :)
Good for you. Once you pull the plug, life seems to fill the space so beautifully, doesn't it? We've been doing *very* limited screen time lately, (yes, your blog is one of my few quick stops during the day!) and well...like you say, there's reading, and games, projects, letter writing ;) ...so much everyday goodness.
Posted by: Leah | October 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM
I am so proud of all who are trying this our,its good for the whole family to have some peace and quiet.Just to listen to the sounds of NO TV in the background is beautiful.
I really love your blog.During school there is nothing on except for the computer,no tv until schooling is over and usually its the WALTONS.
Posted by: Jamie | October 17, 2011 at 07:21 PM
I really like this idea. I think I'm going to try it this Sunday.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea. :-)
Posted by: Lesa | October 18, 2011 at 01:07 AM