Why Ditching Devices Might Be the Most Important Gift You Ever Give Your Kids
Hey parents and grandparents—can we talk for a minute about something that’s really been bugging me? I’m a therapist, and I get to see the good, the bad, and the worrisome when it comes to raising kids these days. Here’s what keeps coming up: I see so many children glued to their screens while they’re out with their parents. It honestly makes me a little sad because I know from personal experience just how precious those little moments together can be.
A Car Ride to Remember
Just this morning, I got to drive my grandson to school—a rare treat for me, since it only happens about once a month. For 15 minutes, we rode together, looking at all the signs along the way. He’s in kindergarten (which is such a magical age!), and I loved every second. We played “guess the sign”—stoplights, yield signs, construction warnings, school zones, even the blue hospital sign with the big H. Sometimes he knew the answer, sometimes we chatted about the meaning. The whole way, we talked, laughed, and learned together. Honestly, it made me realize just how much these tiny windows of time really mean.
Throwback to My Own Kids
It took me way back to when my own kids were young, and I could drive them to school. That short ride—five to fifteen minutes—was our special time. No radio most mornings, just us. Sometimes we’d chat about the day ahead, sometimes we’d just enjoy the quiet. But when my youngest turned sixteen and got his license, I knew that era was over. I was happy for his independence, but boy, did I miss those car rides and conversations.
Before Devices: Imagination on the Road
You know, even further back—before smartphones, tablets, and all the internet gadgets—things were different. When I was young, those epic 700-mile car rides to visit family were all about a good book, drawing materials, and mental games. No screens, just what we could bring along: maybe a coloring book, a challenge like naming license plates, or seeing who could come up with the silliest story. I’m honestly thankful for those times. The quiet stretches of highway let my imagination roam free and grow, and I never developed a dependency on someone (or something!) else to keep me entertained. At least with a book or a mental game, my creativity was switched on and fully engaged.
The Real Danger: Lost Connections
As a therapist, I hear a lot from parents worried about the usual dangers—drugs, strangers, all that. But honestly? The thing that worries me the most is that little device in your child’s hand. Kids are staring at screens instead of connecting with you—their most important social model. And let’s be real, when you’re both on devices, you’re missing out on those fleeting, meaningful moments you’ll someday wish you shared. Plus, screens are made to be addictive and can chip away at kids’ critical thinking skills and social confidence.
What Worked for My Family
Back when my kids were young, the coolest thing in the car was a DVD player (and we only got to use it for super-long trips—think 700-mile drives to see family). The rule? No movies unless the car trip was more than two hours and no movies unless we’d been on the road for at least two hours. Most of the time, the kids would nap, chat, eat, or play games like “spot the license plate.” They learned to entertain themselves, and we got to connect as a family.
Here’s My Takeaway
Parenting is full of worries about keeping kids safe and raising them right. But one of the easiest ways to build strong, healthy kids? Skip the devices—especially during those car rides—and just talk. It’s amazing how much social savvy, leadership, and critical thinking blooms when you connect, even for just a few minutes.
Try This on Your Next Ride!
- Make car time “device-free” for everyone: Use those minutes to chat, play games, or even just enjoy the silence together.
- Ask open-ended questions: Try “What’s something you’re looking forward to today?” or “What was the best thing that happened yesterday?”
- Share a story from your own childhood: Kids love hearing your memories, and it’s a great way to spark conversation (and a few laughs).
You’ll be surprised how much you both look forward to those simple, screen-free moments. So next time you’re tempted to hand over a device, remember—these days won’t last forever, but the memories you make will.
