Let’s Be Friends with Nature: Observing More, Scrolling Less at Kingston ICSE
1. Be the Role Model
Children observe and learn more from what we do than from what we say. If we spend endless hours on our phones or computers, we are likely to mimic those behaviours. By consciously reducing your screen time and engaging in more meaningful activities—whether it's reading, gardening, or simply being present—you set a powerful example for your children to follow.
2. Cultivate Hobbies and Habits
Free time doesn’t have to mean screen time. Help your children discover hobbies that ignite their passions and keep them engaged. Whether it’s painting, building with LEGOs, exploring nature, or playing a musical instrument, activities that foster creativity and curiosity can fill the void that screens often occupy. These hobbies will not only reduce their screen time but also nurture skills and interests that will last a lifetime.
3. Spend Quality Time Together
It’s not just about being present but truly engaging with your children. Spend time talking to them—about their day, school, friends, and even their thoughts and dreams. These interactions strengthen the parent-child bond and offer them the human connection they crave. When children feel genuinely heard, they are less likely to turn to screens for comfort or entertainment.
4. Reconnect with Nature
Nature is the best teacher, offering endless lessons in patience, observation, and wonder. Take your children on walks, encourage them to watch the birds, examine plants, or notice how the weather changes. At Kingston ICSE, we emphasize that the natural world is the foundation of understanding. By observing the intricate details of nature, children develop a deeper sense of curiosity and a more profound connection to the world around them—far beyond the limits of a screen.
5. Avoid the "Don't" Approach
Telling children “don’t” often leads to the opposite reaction—they become curious about what they’re being forbidden from doing. Instead of saying “Don’t spend too much time on your phone,” offer them alternatives. Create a home environment where curiosity, creativity, and nature are at the forefront. Redirect their attention to activities that excite them and naturally lead them away from screens without making it feel restricted.
At Kingston ICSE, we believe in the importance of balancing technology with real-world experiences. By being mindful of our screen habits, fostering meaningful hobbies, engaging in rich conversations, and reconnecting with nature, we can help our children lead more fulfilled, curious, and balanced lives. Let’s create a future where our children explore both the digital world and the natural one, without losing their sense of wonder for the beauty that surrounds them.