Unfortunately, our society currently rewards “doing” not “being” and yet there is great value in being. These days everyone is “plugged in” to a phone, laptop, or other digital device and yet, we are not as a group any more productive than in years past. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is the permission to have down time. Down time may be for some sitting quietly in prayer or meditation, but for most children down time is simply unstructured play that does not require a device except maybe to listen to music. Remember to not schedule too many activities per season. Allow the child to choose one or two that are most important to them and then advise will try the others at another time. Schedule a day each week that once most of the family is at home all devices are turned off. Play board games or read a story, take a walk in nature. Down time improves a child’s concentration as well as helps them develop their imagination.
