Whole Child Challenge: Unplug to Reconnect

Each week in January, we’ll share simple ways to help children grow into more confident, capable, and resilient versions of themselves. This month’s theme is inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation and the “Let Grow” movement, which encourages kids to explore, problem-solve, and take age-appropriate risks in the real world.

Learn more about Whole Child Month

Unplug to Reconnect - Balancing Real Life and Screen Life

Technology connects us in powerful ways, but too much screen time can replace real-life experiences that kids need for growth and well-being. This week focuses on helping families find a healthy balance between digital life and hands-on living. 

Why It Matters:

Excessive time online can limit play, creativity, and real-world connection. Children thrive when they spend more time face-to-face and outdoors. Balanced screen use supports:

• Better sleep and focus
• Healthier peer relationships
• Stronger self-control and patience
• More active play and imagination

Parent Tips:

• Create a daily “tech pause” — for example, after dinner or before bed.
• Model balance by setting your own device aside during family time.
• Encourage friends to meet in person rather than online.
• Keep phones out of bedrooms overnight.
• Check out the Wait Until 8th Pledge. Parents across the country are taking the pledge to delay providing their children with smartphones.

This Week’s Let Grow Challenge:

Host two “Screen Swap Hours” this week. During each one, children trade their usual screen activity for something real-world:

• Outdoor play
• Art, music, or building projects
• Reading or journaling
• Helping with a family task
  Ask afterward: “How did that hour feel?”

Family Reflection:

Talk about what changed during your tech-free time. Did conversations feel different? Did anyone feel calmer or more connected? Identify one moment you’d like to repeat next week.