We often hear that we need to reduce screen time for children. Experts repeat it, parents are aware of it, and studies are numerous. But one question remains: how do we do it in practice?
Reducing screens is one thing. Replacing that time with activities that truly foster a child's development is another.
At Pomango, this is a reflection we have been living with for a long time.
Let me introduce myself: I am Aurélie, co-owner of Pomango, a Quebec family business that creates games, books, and tools for children and families.
Boredom is not a problem. It's an opportunity.
When my sister and I were young (she is now the other co-owner of Pomango), our mother had a very simple rule: during days off, there was no television between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Obviously, we would regularly tell her:
"We don't know what to do!"
Her answer was always the same:
"I'm sure you'll find something."
And she was right.
We built soapbox cars that rolled crookedly, made magic potions with mud and leaves, built forts with blankets, invented stories, drew, did crafts, and created all sorts of games.
We didn't need organized activities. We just needed time.
Free play develops much more than imagination
Looking back, I realize that these moments gave us much more than a few childhood memories.
They developed our creativity, our autonomy, our problem-solving skills, our motor skills, and our self-confidence.
But above all, they allowed us to build connections.
We were four children in the family, and more than thirty years later, we are still able to work together with the greatest complicity.
Free play isn't just for keeping children occupied. It allows them to learn, experiment, communicate, negotiate, imagine, and grow.
Why don't children know what to do anymore?
Today, the reality is different.
Children go from one activity to another: school, homework, transport, soccer, gymnastics, music, games, outings, weekend activities…
Their schedule is often filled from morning until night.
So, when a free moment finally arrives, it is almost normal that they no longer know what to do.
Deep down, they no longer have many opportunities to learn how to keep themselves busy.
It's a bit like asking someone to play the piano without ever having let them touch one.
Free play can be learned. Imagination can be developed. Autonomy can too.
And what about us as parents?
This reflection does not only concern children.
Are we really comfortable seeing them bored for a few minutes?
Or do we quickly feel the need to suggest an activity, take out a tablet, or find a distraction?
Let's be honest: many of us experience exactly the same thing.
We, too, have difficulty doing nothing.
As soon as a moment of calm appears, our first instinct is often to pick up our phone.
We all live in a society where every minute seems to need to be filled.
Screen-free activities: a boost to rediscover the joy of playing
Parents often want to reduce screen time, but have few tools to accompany their children in this transition.
It is precisely this reflection that inspired us at Pomango.
We created a collection of card games offering hundreds of simple ideas to enjoy screen-free moments: during car rides, before bedtime, at mealtime, outdoors, or simply when looking for an idea to play together.
These cards suggest activities, challenges, discussions, and games that stimulate creativity, conversation, and the joy of being together.
The goal is not to fill every minute of the day.
On the contrary.
We called our collection Nos Bons Moments (Our Good Moments) because our wish is to help families gently rediscover the instinct to play, imagine, talk, and fully enjoy shared moments, until it becomes natural again.
Let children be bored... in just the right dose.
Boredom is not the enemy.
It is often the starting point for the best ideas, the greatest learning experiences, and the most precious memories.
By leaving children the necessary space to invent, create, explore, and dream, we offer them much more than an activity.
We give them the opportunity to develop their imagination, confidence, and autonomy.
And perhaps, at the same time, create memories that will stay with them for life.
Aurélie ✨
Leave a comment