Instead of Watching TV: 99 Activities to Help Kids Unplug

Recent studies have shown that children in today’s world spend more than three hours daily in front of the TV. Educators suggest that this habit causes obesity and apathy in children. What can we do?

Instead of Watching TV offers kids alternatives to TV or videogames. These ideas permit parents to enjoy a few minutes at their children’s sides and provide the means for kids to enjoy themselves on their own as well.

Some of the activities include understanding the phases of the moon through a game, learning how to make a "telephone," and creating an animated book. Instead of watching “the idiot box,” children four to twelve years old can discover, communicate, and learn:
• Simple and fun crafts
• Games for inside the house
• Cooking recipes for kids
• Safe scientific experiments

Anna Huete is a writer and specialized editor. She’s also the happy mother of two children.