In a world where connecting can be done in the blink of an eye, it can also serve to pull people further apart.
The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in the Drumheller area are hoping to change that this Family Day, Monday, February 18, with their campaign “Disconnect to connect.”
The idea is for families to spend some time together during the day doing activities that do not require electricity, such as watching television or playing video games.
There are innumerable activities for a family unplugged. For example, families can go outside for a walk, go skating, or tobogganing. Indoors, families can play a board game, read together, or play music.
Various attractions in the area are also available. The Badlands Community Facility will have an inflatable obstacle course throughout the day, Morrin and Delia Arenas will have free public skating from 1 to 4 p.m., the Drumheller Arena will have free public skating from 1:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Aquaplex is having a toonie swim from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and the Royal Tyrrell Museum will have free admission.
Unplugging from technology has its benefits. Research suggests 73 per cent of kids would rather play with their parents than watch TV or use the internet. Teens having more than three family dinners per week are more likely to get better grades. Residents in connected neighbourhoods have a greater quality of life. Lastly, three factors for healthy physical and psychological child development are movement, touch, and connection to other humans.
Residents who unplug are asked to head to the Family and Community Support Services Website to log your hours and share your story of what your family did while unplugged.
