Entertain a Child: Moving Beyond Video Games and TV

Children who have grown up primarily using video games and TV as a form of entertainment can find it challenging to explore other activities. However, with a little creativity and guidance, you can inspire and engage them in a wide range of enriching activities. From finding their interests to creating hands-on learning experiences, there are numerous ways to keep them entertained and provide them with valuable learning opportunities.

Discover Common Interests to Bridge the Gap

One effective approach is to start with common ground. Find something they are passionate about, such as building in Minecraft, reading Wikipedia articles on science, or playing with dollmaker toys. For example, if they enjoy building in Minecraft, you can take them to a class on sculpture or carpentry. If they spend a lot of time reading about science topics on Wikipedia or political memes on Reddit, find them hands-on ways to learn about those subjects. If they play a lot with dollmaker toys, help them learn fashion design or art.

Begin by focusing on shared interests to create a connection. This not only makes the learning process more enjoyable but also helps in building a stronger bond with the child.

Read to Them Actively

Reading to children is a powerful way to help them develop a love for stories and foster their imagination. Beyond just reading the words, bring the story to life by acting out the different characters, changing your voice, and engaging with the plot. This not only makes the experience more entertaining but also helps them better understand and immerse themselves in the story.

Take this a step further by creating interactive reading sessions. Ask them questions about the story, encourage them to predict what might happen next, and discuss the characters and their motivations. This can be a fun and educational way to spend quality time together while nurturing their cognitive and emotional skills.

Make Use of Everyday Activities

Occasionally, removing the usual entertainment sources can be a great way to encourage children to find new activities. For example, during a recent visit, I advised my grandson's mother to not allow him to bring his PlayStation. Instead, I brought him to our house, which was filled with books and art materials. After a week of engaging in various activities, he left saying he had had a wonderful time. Interestingly, I noticed he had spent some time looking through a big bird book, indicating that he had indeed found other activities to enjoy.

Take them outdoors for a range of activities like bike riding, shooting hoops, playing at the skateboard park, swimming, playing catch, or walking to the park or visiting the zoo. Outdoor activities not only promote physical health but also provide excellent opportunities for exploration and learning.

Start Early with Educational Activities

One of the best ways to prepare a child for a wide range of activities is to start with educational activities from a young age. Activities like reading, playing games (such as Candyland), doing educational puzzles, coloring, crafting, painting, and other creative pursuits are excellent ways for children to entertain themselves independently. These activities encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, all of which are invaluable life skills.

Connect Activities to Their Interests

If you have a child who is particularly interested in a TV show or video game, you can leverage that interest to introduce them to related activities. There are often books, games, and other educational resources based on their favorite shows or games. For example, if they enjoy watching TV shows, you can look for books related to the show or an edition of a tabletop game based on the show. You might also find versions of traditional games, like Snakes and Ladders, based on popular cartoons.

For children who are into video games, you can help them make something related to their favorite game. If they are at an age where they can handle it, you could get them a craft kit with a theme related to their favorite game. There are also many craft options available, such as melt bead designs for characters from various cartoons and video games, or bead designs for making Pokémon out of pony or seed beads. If they are ready, you could help them start knitting and make a Harry Potter scarf.

Conclusion

Moving a child from a predominantly tech-dependent entertainment routine to a more diverse set of activities can be challenging, but it is entirely possible. By starting with common interests, engaging them in reading, encouraging them to go outdoors, and beginning with early educational activities, you can spark their curiosity and help them discover new hobbies and interests. Not only does this promote their overall well-being, but it also sets them up for a lifetime of learning and self-entertainment.