Five No Screen Time Options to Stimulate Communication

Chances are you are using your iPad, phone, or laptop to read this post. Truth be told, I used my iPad to write it and later signed on my laptop to publish it. I was constantly on some form of electronic device, making it all the more important to find activities that promote communication with no screen time.

I disliked being connected to devices and despised the example I was setting for my own son.  Alas, he was just as reliant on his devices as I was, as were so many children. Electronics have become our social time and way to escape the stresses in the world. During the pandemic, social media served as our only connection with friends and extended family. As a parent, we chose our electronic battles and set limits, but we need to model the behaviors we expect from our children too.

Let’s discover five electronic-free options that ignite communication and engagement, offering enriching experiences beyond the digital realm for your child. These activities foster connection, creativity, and social interaction, laying a strong foundation for communication skills development in children.

Healthy Alternatives

Below are some electronic-free options to offer when the cell phones are on the charging station. These were games and toys that I had used with my own son over the years that helped him reconnect with his peers and family during social interactions.

Uno Roboto: Fun with No Screen Time

Uno Roboto is a portable, lively version of the traditional card game. This game allows players to record names and create “house rules” that they use during gameplay. It’s an excellent option for families looking for fun ways to reconnect and interact without screens.

Dry Erase Activity Cards: Creative No Screen Time Fun

One summer, I hole punched some dry erase activity cards, divided the cards into two stacks, attached them with a binder ring, threw a few markers and tissues in the swim bag, and watched the kids sit for at least an hour going through each and every card in their deck. This activity is perfect for stimulating creativity and communication without the need for electronics.

Hangman: Classic No Screen Time Entertainment

While writing this, memories surfaced of childhood games played with my sister at restaurants, before iPhones entertained us during waits. I remembered enjoying hangman and came up with an idea to draw a page and slide it into a dry erase pocket sleeve. This classic game is a fantastic way to engage children in a no screen time activity that promotes spelling and problem-solving skills.

The Alphabet Game: On-the-Go No Screen Time Activity

This next idea requires nothing more than your voice. No materials, pens, markers, or devices are necessary, and you can safely play it in the car with your kids while you drive. It is the alphabet game. All you need to do is call out something you see while driving that begins with a letter in the alphabet. The objective is to “spy” things in alphabetical order before the journey is over or until the next rest stop. This game is a great way to keep kids entertained and learning without screens.

Books: Timeless No Screen Time Engagement

Last, but certainly not least, there were books! When my boy was a toddler, I kept mini books in my diaper bag like First Words and Lift-the-Flaps. These kept him busy and entertained while in the shopping carriage or at the restaurant table. To this day, he has a book with him in the car, so it seems like we got him on the right track! Books are an excellent no screen time option that fosters a love for reading and learning.

Takeaway Thoughts

Great apps exist, but this post wasn’t about disregarding them. I suggest apps for therapy but advocate for balance. It is virtually impossible to build turn-taking and communication skills when a young child plays on a device. I rarely use my iPad as a reinforcer for completing tasks in speech sessions because it closes the door rather than opens one for expanding communication. Some time ago, I cleared all the games off my phone and I never looked back. You could do it too, it isn’t too late! If nothing else, turn off your phone when you’re at the park with your kids or during speech sessions you attend. You’ll be amazed by the interactions when you’re present.