Keep Your Child Safe Online

Offline Activities to Foster Creativity and Connection 💗

Recently, we had a serious situation in our neighborhood where an 11-year-old discovered how to download a game that, by law, is restricted to those aged 18 and older. I will spare you the details about the content of that game, it was too violent for children. The parents shared with me how there was peer pressure at school among students to play this game, and they expressed feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
Yes, internet security was often a topic of discussion when I worked in a school myself. Sadly, there were instances where one student posted a negative comment about another student, and I made sure that this was removed immediately and addressed it with their parents. This was a few years ago, and over time, internet security for children has become significantly more challenging.
 
The list of problems surrounding the question of children and the internet is getting longer and longer. But let us talk about possible solutions - would you like that?
I know some people find problems in solutions, but I tend to be more practical: I love to find real solutions for problems. 😉

Before we start, dear readers, let me share with you one small solution to help keep your child away from those big social media platforms for as long as possible. This is a real compromise you can use to gain some extra time: allow your child to create a members-only website on their own. These are websites where YOU decide who is a member and who receives a login code.
For example, with Weebly (.com), you can create fun members-only websites. Together with your child, you can create photo albums, write blog posts, and share texts that only your family members and friends can see. This will keep your child busy, and at the same time, they will feel a sense of fulfillment in creating those pages one by one and sharing them safely with family and friends.

Now, more importantly, let us create a first list of some fun activities for your children that will keep them away from their smartphones, computers, and TV screens for at least one afternoon. In case your children are not interested in learning musical instruments or participating in local sports groups, this list will keep them busy for a while.
Let me ask you: Do you remember what you loved to do as a child?  
 
Nr. 1: Story Time 💗
The local library: You will be surprised by how many great books and even fun activities your local library offers for your children. Become a member and visit every two weeks with your child. While the children are busy discovering many new books, you can sit and relax in a chair, reading an inspiring book as well. This is perfect for a rainy Sunday too.
 
Nr. 2: The Little Anthropologists 💗
Museums: Ask your local tourist center about the upcoming activities they recommend for families with children, and be sure to sign up for their newsletters as well. Many museums now offer special activities for families, and often, some of them are available for a small budget.
 
Nr. 3: Animals on the Farm 💗
Local farmers' markets are definitely worth visiting for children, but there is even more to discover. Some farmers now offer afternoons filled with activities for children, including creative ateliers where they can craft fun items together. Additionally, some farms have a special corner where children can safely see the animals.
 
Nr. 4: The Chocolate Cake Master Bakers 💗
Is it raining again? Turn your kitchen into a baking wonderland and let your children bake a chocolate cake. Encourage them to create a series of cookies in the shape of their favorite animals. You can even hire a student for three hours to oversee this fun activity with the children, allowing you to relax in the living room with your own favorite hobby.
Additionally, look for special baking books with easy recipes for children. They can also create their own recipe books through scrapbooking, featuring their favorite recipes for the whole family.
 
Nr. 5: The Artists Create a Storybook 💗
Little artists' atelier: They say that children are losing their creative powers when they watch too much TV. So, for another afternoon, turn your living room into an art atelier. Find some large sheets of paper and a selection of different colors; there are special child-friendly acrylic paints available in stores for this purpose. Let your children create their own storybooks by writing a fun script together and drawing one image for every important scene in the script. Of course, the storybook can be a special present for a family member's next birthday!
 
Nr. 6: The Local Animal Shelter 💗
Many animal shelters are truly grateful for volunteers to walk their dogs or play with the cats. You will see your children smile and have fun interacting with these animals, and this can also become a regular activity if they enjoy it.
 
Nr. 7: Writing a Journal 💗
Scrapbooking is creative and, therefore, calming for children. Writing a journal can be a comforting and even healing experience for them, as it helps them process their many emotions and feelings. Plus, these young scrapbookers can create the most beautiful journals and books filled with precious memories. They can proudly share these books whenever grandparents, uncles, and aunts come for a visit.
 
I hope that some of these activities serve as inspiration and help your young children spend some time away from the many screens. Feel free to contact me if you wish to discuss this further or share more ideas.

By sharing this article with your friends, you help me too.
With love and light,
Jeanne
💗
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