Family First

Family First: Unplugging Kids From Video Games

NEW YORK (CBS) ― If your kids are always on the computer or playing video games, how do you get them unplugged? It's tough because it starts early and it's easy on the parents giving them free time to get things done. Believe me I know, I have a 3-year-old who loves cartoons and computer video games.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bobbi Conner who came up with more than 700 games in her book 'Unplugged Play.' She shows us how to get back to the basics with more quality family time.

5 top tips to unplug our kids?

* Have props and classic toys on hand to inspire creative, active, and imaginative play.

* Delay introducing kids to electronic games from infancy through kindergarten years.

* Before play-dates, come up with fun games that your child has tested and likes so that he can share with playmates.

* Plan "Family Game Night" so that kids can see that parents enjoy playing unplugged too!

* Encourage solo play when your hands are tied (in the kitchen or working around the house) by having simple art supplies and other creative play props accessible.

How big a problem is it?

The over-exposure to electronic play is a huge problem. Even families that know kids need to be playing creatively are still unsure of alternatives that will capture their child's interests.

In addition, there is an abundance of advertisements for electronic toys without equal attention directed towards the reasons to engage in unplugged play. I wrote this book in attempts to balance the scales.

How does it hurt our children?

As a result of less active play, the obesity epidemic continues to harm our children. Furthermore, friendship and cooperation skills are not naturally developed when a child sits in isolation in front of the screen. And while pre-programmed and structured games stifle your child's individual creativity and imagination, unplugged alternatives open the floodgates for problem solving and new discoveries.

How can unplugging our kids help the family?

Games like the ones found in Unplugged Play are just what the doctor ordered to encourage parents to connect with their children in a positive way. Family Game Night is also a wonderful routine that allows kids and parents to look forward to times when they will share fun and laughter together.

How did you come up with more than 700 activities for your book?

My own kids inspired many of the games in Unplugged Play, as they would play together from the time they were infants. Others are favorite classic games that we included to remind parents that these games are still fun (i.e.: jacks, hopscotch). The rest were completely made up, although ALL of the 710 games were tested among kids (for the fun factor) and parents (for feasibility).

Final thoughts?

Parents know, and experts insist, that our children should be playing in creative and active ways. This book is designed to help parents come up with concrete play ideas to make this goal a reality.

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