A screen free Lent

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In our house, screens have a way of creeping up on us. I'm not against screen time for kids altogether, but the intention of watching one show in German (for educational purposes of course), given time, grows to consume more and more of our time and attention. It's so easy to put it on when the kids are whining, when I need to get stuff done, when I need a break... well, this Lent we've made a clean break.

No screens.

I did think this would be harder on me than on the kids, what with the possible whining for it and protests about boredom, along with not being able to get much done in the day. So, clearly a penance for me! I'm not giving up screens for myself entirely because that wouldn't be practical but I did sign off of social media for the duration, again a big ask for this Facebook addict.

So, almost a week in, I have to say the kids have adapted beautifully. Was there some whining? For sure. But the TV has a blanket on it, which is a helpful visual reminder, and less than a week after Ash Wednesday they're really not asking any more.

Instead, I'm seeing so much more creativity - in play as well as in art; all the toys are getting much more use; and our relationships are deepening. It's beautiful.

I might post another update before the end of Lent, depending on what happens. Here are some pictures thus far...

One happy family (including best friend Fleur)

Watercolour

Stonehenge rebuilt

Reading

Role play: he's Jesus in the tomb

Garden work

Watching the car's new tyres being put on

Mechanics do interesting stuff

All. The. Toys.

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