Now, an international staycation can be a dream come true for parents and kids alike—a fresh location, a break from the usual routine, and plenty of time to explore. Overall, there’s a family adventure waiting for you all at every corner, right? But at the same time, you have to be realistic with yourself, too, because, believe it or not, eventually, there’s going to be a battle to keep the kids off their screens.
The temptation of endless games, YouTube videos, and social media can be hard for them to resist, especially when you’re in one place for weeks or even months. But what can you even do? Well, there are some things that parents can do to keep that screen time cut down so their kids can stay more in the moment. So, here’s exactly what you need to know.
Make the Outdoors Unmissable
So, it’s best to just go ahead and start with the obvious: kids love screens, but they also love adventure (well, depending on the age). And what better way to get them off their devices than by making the outdoors too exciting to resist? Even though you’re staying in one location for an extended period, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck indoors. There’s likely a whole world just outside your door waiting to be explored.
Why not turn your international staycation into a full-blown nature expedition? So it really depends where you’re at, like a camper park, log cabin, holiday park, and so on. But regardless of where you are, the odds are fairly high that you get to have the opportunity to just really go out there and explore.
If you’re in the countryside, well, there are plenty of options, and the same can be said if you’re around a beach. And if your kids are really young, you could even make a scavenger hunt for them, too.
Create a Screen-Time Schedule
Okay, so it’s best to just be realistic here; completely banning screens isn’t going to end well. Cue the endless whining and the dramatic, “But everyone else is doing it!” Instead, try working with the screen time by creating a schedule that everyone can get on board with. For example, giving your kids specific times to enjoy their favourite shows, games, or social media means they won’t feel deprived, and you won’t lose your sanity.
But you’re going to have to make it clear that screen time comes after they’ve done something else first. Maybe it’s an hour of exploring the local area or a fun activity like cooking or reading before they can hop back online. It’s all about creating balance and showing them that screens aren’t the only way to have fun on holiday.
Make Screen Time a Family Affair
Speaking of screen time, it might be a good idea to make this more of a family affair. Rather than separating everyone, it can actually be a great way to bring everyone together (since many kids just full-on disappear into their devices).
Actually, here’s a great example: why not set a time to watch sports, just like you would back home (assuming you all love to watch sports together). For example, finding out how to watch EPL in USA (or whatever country you’re in) while on your staycation is a great way to make screen time feel like a shared, fun event rather than a solo activity.
Plus, this will make you feel like you’re back at home too so there isn’t any FOMO there either. But overall, the whole point is to feels less like overindulging and more like quality time.
Get Creative with Crafts and Projects
Sometimes, the easiest way to get kids off their screens is to give them something they can really get stuck into. So, it’s going to be a great idea to look into some craft projects, building activities, and hands-on fun are fantastic for keeping their attention and allowing them to use their creativity. It’s really up to what they’re interested though.
Experience Local Traditions
So, you really have to keep in mind that being in one place for a long time allows you to truly experience and appreciate local customs and traditions. Maybe it’s something like a market, a festival, or a holiday celebration, encouraging your kids to join in with local traditions can be a fantastic way to get them excited about their surroundings.
Maybe there’s a local food they haven’t tried yet or a special day that involves dressing up or participating in a unique activity. But honestly, whatever it is, immersing them in local life will not only keep them engaged but also create lasting memories that don’t involve a screen.
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