Please Join Us To Celebrate #GadgetFreeHour 2020

Gadgets have taken over our lives. We keep our mobiles right beside our pillow while sleeping and check our emails first thing in the morning. At work, we spend around nine hours before the screen. After work, we continue to respond to our work emails and work phone calls (more often than not, these are tasks that can wait till the next morning). Our relaxation is the TV and social media. Just before we hit the bed, we check WhatsApp and diligently go through all the forwards we have received, and pass on a couple to others. And now, in the time of COVID-19, its gotten worse. Unable to go out, our entertainment screen time has gone up, and WFH and online learning have added to our screen-time woes.

Many of us know that too much screen time is harmful, and can cause poor sleep, increased risk to obesity and type 2 diabetes. But we dont realize that excessive screen time can lead to another problempoor relationship with children and family. Quite often, parents and children are sitting together in the living room, but each one is peering into his/her mobile or laptop screen, rarely talking to each other.

The aim of ParentCircles #GadgetFreeHour (GFH) campaign is to help parents and children balance screen time with family time and thereby strengthen family bonds. So, get set to rediscover the joy and magic of connection!

What is #GadgetFreeHour?

#GadgetFreeHour is a campaign that was launched by ParentCircle in 2019 to encourage parents and children to spend time with each other without the distraction of gadgets. A strong parent-child connection is important to raise happy, healthy and confident children, and this crucial connection can be built only when the parent and the child spend quality time with each other. Keeping this in mind, the GFH was observed on November 14 last year (7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)and it was a stupendous success, touching millions of lives!

Why connecting with your child is important

Parenting is 80% connection, said Dr Laura Markham, renowned clinical psychologist and founder of Ahaparenting.com, in a conversation with ParentCircle. Connecting with your child helps him feel safe, secure and loved, and boosts his self-esteem and confidence. A positive parent-child relationship leads to clearer conversations, deeper understanding and trust between you and your child. According to Dr Markham, Unless children trust their parents, they wont do what parents say. So, if you want your child to cooperate without threats, punishment or bribes (or yelling at them), you need a relationship of closeness and trust, wherein your child wants to do what you say, wants to follow your lead, and doesnt want to disappoint you because she loves you and is close to you. And thats connection. Guidance is only 20% of parenting, at best. Eye-opening revelation, isnt it? Most of us thought parentings all about guidance.

Now, building a strong connection with your child is difficult if its filled with interruptions. Imagine your child is opening up to you about her crush after considerable hesitation and she finds you busy with your phone or some chore. That would definitely hurt, right?

Tanya Goodin, a digital detox expert, in a chat with ParentCircle, said, How can parents really know whats going on with their children if they have their heads in their smartphones? Parenting isnt just seeing whats right in front of you, it is noticing the things that arent being said, the very small clues in body language and behavior that theres something wrong. As parents, we need to be fully mindful around our children, in order to fully parent them.

So, drop your gadgets and start connecting with your child NOW! But we understand its easier said than doneand we realize that steering clear of gadgets is unrealistic. The answer lies in using gadgets responsibly. For simple tips on how parents and children can manage their screen time, check out: https://www.parentcircle.com/how-to-reduce-limit-manage-screen-time-at-home/article

Tips to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

Show your love: Studies show that touch and physical affection are important for a childs confidence and happiness. So, hug, snuggle and kiss! Remember, your child is never too old for you to hug or kiss. Dr Markham asks parents to aim for 12 hugs in a day. Also, say the magic words I love you often.

Rakhi, a mom of a 5-year-old, says, I have noticed one thing. When my son is being difficult, a simple I love you from me diffuses the tension. Then I try to explain the situation to him and I feel he listens better.

Play together: Children love play. Its also a fun and relaxing way for you to strengthen your bond with your child. Many adults report that they enjoy clay modeling and building blocks as much as children do! Set aside at least 20 minutes for play every day, and keep your phone in another room when you play with your child.

Connect one-on-one: Your child needs your exclusive attention. While family bonding time (spending time together as a family) is essential, one-on-one time with your child is equally important. You could spend time playing, cuddling, chatting or reading together. Dr Markham recommends at least 15 minutes separately with each child, daily.

Amrita, a mom of two, says, My daughter was 9 when my second child was born. I thought she was old enough to handle the change. So I devoted most of my time to my newborn. But soon I realized that my daughter was feeling neglected and undervalued. Now, I make it a point to spend time with her every day, even if that means leaving the chores undone. It has strengthened not only our relationship, but also the bond between her and her brother!

Let your child help you: If your child is young, letting him assist you almost always means extra work for you. But its a great way to bond! Children love imitating elders and being given responsibilities. Also, if your schedule is packed and the only shared time you can get with your child is the morning cooking or cleaning time, so be it!

Let me share my experience. After the pandemic, working from home and taking care of my 2-year-old daughter hasnt been easy at all. With so many chores to be done, I realized that my evening playtime and reading time with my daughter had come down. So we started spending time together in the kitchen in the morningshe helps wash the rice and the dal. When I roll rotis, I give her a ball of dough and a small rolling pin and you should see the joy on her face! I do spend a couple of minutes every morning cleaning the mess, but its totally worth it!

Show interest in your childs life: Talk to your child about her friends, hobbies and studies, every day. Make sure you listen, empathize and show genuine interest in what your child is saying. She just wants to be heard and feel assured that theres someone who loves her unconditionally and cares for her. When you talk to your child, remember, distractions are a big no-no. You could sit down for a cup of chai together or go on a walk. If you have a tight schedule and must complete a chore, pick a mundane activity that doesnt require much of your attention, like shelling peas or folding clothes.

Anusha, a mom of a 15-year-old, says, My daughter loves head massages. She used to go to parlors every now and then for an oil massage. But after the pandemic, I have started massaging her head for 15 minutes every evening, and it has become a great bonding activity for both of us. We look forward to it and we talk about her classes, friends and even her crushes!

Create bedtime routines: Bedtime reading is a great way to connect with your child. After reading, narrate real-life experiences inspired by the story you have just read and get talking. Listen to what your child has to say and spend some time snuggling in bed. Even if your child is 10, night-time chat is a great way to connect with your child. Older children are usually more comfortable talking about sensitive issues at night, when the lights are off.

Laugh together: What better way to connect than laughing together? Laughter can ease tension and anger. Go ahead and play harmless pranks, share jokes, watch funny movies or play silly games!

Vivan, a father of a 4-year-old, says, When I sense that my son is not in a great mood, I try to recall a funny incident that happened to me. I whisper it to him and tell him its a secret between just the two of us. Sometimes my stories are not really funny. But I still laugh out loud, and my son soon joins me and we sit together and laugh our heads off for no reason.

Eat together: Research has shown that family meals result in better family relationships and help relieve stress. Try to have at least one meal together as a family. Switch off the TV and put aside your phones during the meal.

Spend time without gadgets: Spend at least 15 minutes with your child, every day, without any gadget (about 2 hours per week at the very least, the more the better). Just listen to your child, play, chat or read. Its extremely important to make gadget-free time a regular part of your routine.

GFH 2020: How to participate

Start building your healthy gadget habits without any delay, starting with this years special #GadgetFreeHour! Heres how you can participate:

1. Take the pledge:

Pledge to spend time with your children and stay away from gadgets on World Childrens Day (November 20) from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Take the pledge here: https://www.parentcircle.com/gadget-free-hour/ (check out this website for all things related to the #GadgetFreeHour.)

2. Take the 20-20 Connection Challenge:

Sign up for our 20-20 Connection Challenge, and share your joyful experiences with us. Once you sign up, we at ParentCircle will send you one new challenge every day, for 20 days, challenging you to spend just 20 minutes a day with your child, free from the distraction of gadgets. You will receive your first challenge when you sign up. Track your progress and experience the magic and joy of connection!

3. Participate in the My Family Time contest:

Encourage your child to take part in our special My Family Time contest for children, where your child expresses how she would like to spend time with her family without gadgets. Your child can choose to share her thoughts through:

• Visual medium (a painting, sketch or collage)
• Performing arts (dance, music, drama or storytelling)
• Creative writing (a story, poem or an essay)

Submit your childs entries via email (gadgetfreehour@parentcircle.in) or post it on social media with the hashtag #GFHFamilyTimeContest, tagging 5 friends. Entry deadline is November 8, 2020.

Exciting prizes and a digital certificate to be won! All participants will receive a digital certificate of participation too. For more details, visit: https://parentcircle.blob.core.windows.net/static/image/Gadget-Free-Hour-Contest2020.pdf

4. Join our community:

To connect with other parents who are taking part in the GFH campaign and share your ideas and experiences, join our GFH circle: https://www.parentcircle.com/gadget-free-hour-2020-experience-the-joy-magic-of-connection-b4f7a/community-discussion

5. Spin the wheel:

Check out our cool spinning wheel at https://www.parentcircle.com/gadget-free-hour/ for exciting activity ideas to connect with your child. Select your childs age and spin the wheel and wait for an entertaining activity to pop up! Theres a lot of fun in store for you, we promise!

6. Spread the word:

Help other parents understand why its important for them to put away their gadgets while spending time with their children.

• Talk to your friends and family about the #GadgetFreeHour and what you plan to do during the #GadgetFreeHour.
• Invite at least 5 friends to take the pledge.
• Post about the #GadgetFreeHour on social media and tag your friends and family.
• Download resources that can help you inform your friends about the campaign. They are available on gadgetfreehour.com.

7. Subscribe and stay up to date:

For a continuous stream of helpful articles, videos and other resources related to the campaign, follow our website and our social media pages and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Website: https://www.parentcircle.com/ and https://www.parentcircle.com/gadget-free-hour/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parentcircle/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParentCirclemagazine/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ParentcircleOfficial/videos

8. Plan for GFH:

Let your child know what the campaign is about, and discuss and decide what you would like to do during the #GadgetFreeHour.

Here are some helpful links with fun activities:

https://www.parentcircle.com/how-traditional-childhood-games-boost-brain-power/article

https://www.parentcircle.com/fun-activities-and-games-for-toddlers-1-2-year-olds/article

https://www.parentcircle.com/activities-and-games-for-preschoolers/article

https://www.parentcircle.com/useful-educational-indoor-activities-for-kids/article

https://www.parentcircle.com/fun-interesting-activities-to-do-with-tweens-and-teenagers-at-home/article

9. Follow our live blog

On November 20, tune in to our website for live updates on how parents, schools, corporates and celebrities from across the country are preparing for the #GadgetFreeHour. Share ideas with each other and make the #GadgetFreeHour an unforgettable experience for your family!

10. Switch off:

During the #GadgetFreeHour, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., put away all your gadgets and sit with your child to have fun! Talk, play, paint, sing, dance or eat and create wonderful memories! (Please note that our website will shut down during GFH.)

11. Share your GFH story:

After GFH, share your exciting stories with us! What did you do? Tell us about your laughs, goof-ups and even tantrums (if any) from your child for screen time! Share your story in our circles (https://www.parentcircle.com/gadget-free-hour-2020-experience-the-joy-magic-of-connection-b4f7a/community-discussion) and on social media. Tag us and use the hashtag #GadgetFreeHour. We look forward to hearing about your experiences!

How can schools and corporates help their community participate?

Create awareness about the campaign and encourage your community to take part. Furthermore, schools can declare November 20, 2020 as No Homework Day, and corporates can encourage their employees to wind up work early to enable them to spend time with their family.

The main purpose of the campaign is to help parents understand the importance of gadget-free time so that it becomes a regular feature in everyones lives. So, go ahead and make a fresh start on November 20. We look forward to you joining us in this initiative. Heres to more pranks, games, laughs and memories!