To get our kids off devices, we first need to make some changes to our environment. You will likely find your children are using their devices for more things than you thought. Look no further than the popular Netflix show Squid Game for inspiration.
It’s easy to de-digitalize, since digital activities are simply imitations of real life. What we want to do is get our children off of devices (that form negative habits and connect them to un-monitored content) and back into the real world.
- Educational apps: Educational apps can be useful for learning, but so can paperback activity books. Get your child off the device more by ordering math and spelling activity books. If you have access to a printer, you can also download activity sheets from the web.
- E-books: Why read on a device when you can read as many books as you want from the library? This offers a superb digital detox.
- Messaging: Notifications can keep people stuck to their phones and kids aren’t talking enough with their friends. Consider taking away the phones a few hours a day and letting your children make phone calls instead.
- Art: There are amazing drawing apps on devices, but there are also amazing drawing activity books. There’s also using your imagination to draw, like the old days. 😂
- Shows and movies: This may sound strange to those over 40, but have your children watch TV…on a TV! TV and movies offer numerous examples of human behavior and history for children to learn from. But don’t let your children only watch shows on devices. It’s another way to break the habit of picking up a device.
Squid Games for Kids
Ddakji is an exciting two-player game where you bring your best paper-flipping skills! Each player has a folded square paper tile (aka ddakji). One person sets their tile on the ground, and the other tries to slam theirs down to flip it over. It’s simple, satisfying, and a total blast! Create the paper squares yourself and here are tips on how to win.
Red Light, Green Light is a classic game with a twist! Players can only move forward when the doll, Young-hee, says “Green light.” But watch out—if you’re caught moving after she says “Red light,” you’re out! The goal is to make it across the field within five minutes to stay in the game. It’s a mix of strategy, speed, and total freeze-frame focus! 🛑🟢 Here is a video on playing the game.
Dalgona is the ultimate mix of sweet and stressful! First, players pick a shape—circle, triangle, star, or (gulp) umbrella. Then, they get a honeycomb cookie with their chosen shape stamped in the middle. The mission? Carefully carve the shape out without cracking it, leaving a flawless cutout behind. Steady hands and nerves of steel are needed for this 10-minute game involving a tiny needle. Sweet victory never tasted so intense! 🍯⏳ You can even make the cookies yourself for the game.
Tug-of-War takes teamwork to new heights—literally! Players form teams of 10 and go head-to-head in an epic rope-pulling battle atop towering platforms. The goal? Make the other team fall by pulling the rope forcefully enough to knock them off balance. Victory takes strength, strategy, and serious teamwork! 💪🚩 Here are some tips on winning tug-of-war that might surprise you.
Marbles blends strategy with chance. Players pair up, and each person starts with 10 marbles. Together, they choose any marble game they like. The challenge? Grab all 10 marbles from your partner in less than 30 minutes to win! It’s a test of creativity, cleverness, and cool under pressure. Every child ought to have marbles for playing. You can play countless games, limited only by your imagination. Buy some marbles today.
Squid Game is a high-stakes playground classic with a squid-shaped twist! Players split into two teams—offense and defense. While the defense has free movement, the offense is limited to hopping on one foot until they pass the squid’s “neck.” Get pushed out of bounds, and you’re out. Reach the top, and you’re the champion of the squid! 🦑🏃♂️🎯
Pentathlon is a fast-paced six-legged relay race that keeps everyone on their toes! Teams of five races to complete a series of mini-games within five minutes. Players each have unique tasks; the team moves on only after each player completes their challenge. Teamwork, speed, and maintaining momentum are key to victory! 🏁💥
Flying Stone is all about aim and persistence! Players take turns standing behind a line, knocking over a target stone by tossing their own. But here’s the kicker—if anyone misses, the entire team has to walk to the thrown stone, retrieve it, and march back to try again. It’s a game of precision, teamwork, and plenty of legwork! 🎯🪨
Gong-gi is the ultimate test of skill and coordination! Players toss five dice into the air and catch them, with the challenges getting trickier at each stage. Mastering each stage leads to a final, dazzling display—catching five tossed dice on the back of their hand. The key is focus, flair, and a spectacular finale! Get yourself some Gong-gi dice. 🎲🤲✨
Spinning Top is a game of precision and spin-tastic skill! Players wrap a cord around a top, throw it right, and make it spin perfectly. But here’s the twist—if the spin isn’t spot-on, the whole team has to walk to the top’s landing spot, pick it up, and start over. It’s a mix of finesse, teamwork, and determination! Get throwing! 🌀🎯
Jegi is all about fancy footwork! Players must keep a jegi (a badminton-like shuttlecock) in the air by kicking it with their feet or ankles. The challenge? Hit it five times in a row without letting it drop. It’s a test of balance, coordination, and cool moves! Get kicking!🦶🏸✨
