Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice To Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance

Living in a house surrounded by books, board games, and musical instruments in lieu of entertainment centers and devices, sustainable living expert Martinko has written much for treehugger.com about the joys of living as technology-free as possible. As a child, she lived in a lake house in Muskoka, Canada, with no neighbors most of the year; this environment encouraged her to engage in imaginative play. An increased amount of free time and outdoor activities are a few of the rewards her family gained from her parents’ decision to not have Wi-Fi. The author shares both the “why” and the “how” to help parents recapture a childhood captive to screens. Part I analyzes the hefty price and the mental and physical health impact that dependence on technology can cause. Part II is designed to help children (and parents) not only put their devices down but replace them with better options. The book recommends donating, selling, or giving away gadgets in order to set a positive example. Included are a list of resources, websites, and books for further research.