No-Phone Summers: Parents Nostalgic for Device-Free Days

Remember when summer break felt endless? The following school year seemed an impossibly far-off idea ashot, sunny dayswasting time in the backyard felt like an eternity. Without smartphones, no YouTube, and just a landline to reach out to friends, you had to entertain yourself — which mostly involved browsing through books, moving your Beanie Babies around, orfighting with your siblingswho got the last Freeze Pop.

Now, parents who long for the past are reminiscing about those extended, leisurely, uneventful days with unexpected affection — and attempting to recreate that same unconnected boredom for their children. Ironically, some influencers are utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram to advocate for a screen-free, "90s-style summer." Shannele, recognized on Instagram as@reelmomstuff, has been offering advice on raising "90s kids" for more than a year. In a video she uploaded in June, she discusses her rule of no screens in the car and highlights the value of playing outside. In another video, she mentioned that her house has just one television and a landline phone for her children to use, which is all part of her effort to revive the childhood before digital technology.

Others, like TikTokers @motheringmoonand Erin Monroe (@erin.monroe_), have described their methods for a "‘90s summer," such as outdoor family meals, consuming large quantities of Kool-Aid, and splashing around in the sprinkler.

Samantha Weber, who has an 11-year-old stepdaughter and a three-year-old daughter, is making an effort to fill her children's time with hands-on games and activities to reduce their screen time. Her daughters are enjoying this approach, hosting fashion shows in the living room. Her husband works as an art teacher, "so we always keep coloring supplies and paints available," she mentioned.The Independent. "We're really into board games," she said, proudly mentioning that she recently taught her stepdaughter how to play the card game Spit. "We also have a pool, which is a great way to unwind," Weber added.

Both of her daughters own devices, yet Weber and her husband have recently talked about managing screen time during the summer, whether that involves setting up a schedule or restricting it to only evenings. "Sometimes they need a 'cool down' period from each other, so we separate and say okay, you can relax and watch something or play a game," she mentioned. "The games they play are also creative or educational," she added, such as specific modes in Minecraft, or math and spelling games. "I'm not saying we don't watch movies," Weber said, "but if we do, we make popcorn and enjoy it together."

Family movie evenings can serve as an excellent method to utilize screens while avoiding some of the common concerns associated with individual screen time. A recent study from theAmerican Psychological Associationdiscovered that overuse or unmonitored screen time can lead to emotional challenges in children — who might then turn to their devices as a way to cope, resulting in a damaging loop.

"We are currently experiencing a 'device detox,' which means they don't have them for a few days," performer and mother of three Clare Cannizzaro said.The IndependentHer three sons, who are between the ages of 10 and 18, can access emails and messages for a brief period, twice daily, or if they need to use a phone to contact us, but then it is returned to us afterward. For Cannizzaro, an "old-school summer" involves "a lot of time outdoors, more family game nights, and less personal screen time."

To realize her vision, Cannizzaro plans for her children to spend more time tending the family garden, looking after their ducks and chickens, preparing campfires, and capturing fireflies. As a family deeply involved in theater, she is organizing the summer to include film production and musical performances, with all the children participating in acting classes.

Nevertheless, Cannizzaro acknowledges that finding a balance is essential in the 21st century. "Our children were born into this era of technology, and we believe it's crucial for them to develop the skills and understanding related to it. They will most likely require technology in any career or life direction they pursue," she mentioned. "And if there's also a significant amount of real-world interaction — like playing in the dirt and riding bikes — we've always thought that was a healthy balance. However, at times, more hands-on experiences are necessary so they can connect with reality rather than just what they see on YouTube or Instagram."

For new mother Gabrielle Rabinowitz, these real-world experiences are a regular part of her routine as a daycare provider. Alongside her 13-month-old son, she is always keeping an eye on four young children. Therefore, activities like playing with a hose and toys, observing nature, and blowing bubbles and drawing with chalk are all part of her daily tasks.

"I've dedicated myself to making our daycare experiences less like a conventional 'school environment' and more focused on nature and children, which fits perfectly with an 'old-school summer' vibe for everyone," she said.The IndependentTime seems to pass more quickly when we are outdoors.

Rabinowitz also limits her time on screen, even for the children she regularly observes — and she is determined to maintain this approach. “I have witnessed how providing an 'old-school summer' for young children can reduce problematic behaviors, while at the same time improving their moods, enabling them to release energy in a healthy way, and connecting them with nature and family in a truly meaningful and stabilizing manner.”

There's no single way to experience a '90s summer (and there's no one specific term for it either: 80s summer, retro summer, childhood decay, name it however you like), but that's essentially the idea. It's chaotic, winding, and usually improvised. And in a world that rarely takes a break, this kind of summer could be precisely what children—and their parents—require. It's time to relax as if it's 1995.

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