Just the other day I told my kids to get off their phones. When they asked, “how come?” all I could say was, “because you’ve been on them too long.” We didn’t have anything to do or anywhere to go, I just didn’t want them on those darn screens anymore.

So, they get off their phones and in about 10 minutes the complaining begins.  “I’m so bored, Dad. What do you want us to do?” At first I told them to “figure it out.” As I was trying to grade papers, they started getting wild and goofy and using their outside-voices.  I’m embarrassed to tell you what happened next. I broke! In no more than 15 minutes, I caved in. “Fine,” I said, “you can go back on your phones.”

Yes, I got the peace and quiet I wanted, but I also got a heavy dose of “I suck at this parenting thing.”  I needed some alternatives to the screens, but I didn’t have anything at my fingertips. So, I brainstormed and did some surfing on the Internet. I came up with 8 alternatives to phones, tablets, and video games. Our family has done many of these things before. I just couldn’t recall them on a moments notice. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try one of these…

Take your dog for a long walk

Lola, our American Bulldog, loves going on long walks. If you don’t have a dog, find a neighbor’s dog to take for a long walk. I promise, both the dog and the owner will be thankful!

The reality is that getting outside is essential for teens.  When your teen starts getting cranky, ask yourself how long have they been indoors? I’m serious! They need to move around in the outdoors after being in school all day.  The last thing they should do is come home and do sedentary things for the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Now I know why my parents constantly made me go outside when I was growing up. They knew I needed a change of environment.  Phew…I always thought they were just sick of me acting hyper (okay, maybe teens going outside is also essential for adults).

Pop a Shot Basketball and Spikeball

These are two ways to encourage some competitive and active fun. For the winter season, you have Pop a Shot and for outdoor fun you have Spikeball. Both are super easy to play and will have your teen forgetting all about their electronic devices.

Sometimes going outside really isn’t an option

We get some frigid winters in Chicago (like 20-30 below zero) as well as lots of rain in fall and spring. Those are the best days for getting lost in a good book. But, not all teens like to read. My active boys certainly don’t prefer it.  

They will, however, sit still and get lost coloring or putting a puzzle together.  It has to be a family thing or it might feel more like a punishment, but it’s a great way to bond.  You quickly realize that the kitchen table is an amazing gathering space and not only for meals.

The Good Vibes Coloring Collection is very popular.  It promotes positive messages on high-quality paper.  The Castle Art Supplies Coloring Pencils are affordable and high-quality. Get your teens (and yourself) off the electronic devices and de-stress with an adult coloring book.

If you do your puzzles on the kitchen table, like we do, I recommend this storage mat. It makes it super easy to move the puzzle before you complete it. Do something cooperative and not competitive, buy your family a coloring book or puzzle and connect with each other, not a device.

Want a little harmless competition?

Host a poker night or afternoon–use pennies, nickels, and dimes as poker chips. If you don’t want to use money at all, use M&Ms as your poker chips. Just try not to eat them while your playing.

Get in the kitchen

Baking or cooking are things your teen can do on their own or by your side.  You can never go wrong with chocolate chip cookies, but if you’re looking for something more sophisticated, try Masterchef Junior, which is written for aspiring young cooks.  If you have a picky eater, get them Teens Cook: How To Cook What You Want To Eat.

Every teen should know how to make a few meals for themselves. If it doesn’t turn out the first time, they just need to try again. Making meals is an essential life skill and will boost their confidence.

If figuring out what to make for dinner is ever a hassle, then you should really get them Teens Cook: How To Cook What You Want To Eat.  Put the responsibility on them, give yourself a night-off from cooking and let them make their own creation!

Frock Swap

This is a great way to clear out the closet and get a few new items for free. Everyone brings clothing that’s in good condition, but they no longer wear. Then, the clothes get put in a large pile on the living-room floor. Now, go shopping! It’s as simple as that. Whatever is leftover gets dropped off at Goodwill or Salvation Army. Everyone wins!

Games

Games are an outstanding way to build connection while having FUN! We always like a game of good old fashioned Monopoly in our house. It’s so fascinating to see the personality types that emerge while playing games. We also like the quick card game, Exploding Kittens–think of a modern, hilarious version of UNO. Your family will love it!

Turn your TV room into an exercise class

Our youngest son currently has a small fracture in his back and can’t do his favorite sport this season–wrestling.  Fortunately, he can still be active as long as he listens to his body and stops immediately if he feels discomfort.

Teens need exercise.  Physical activity for teens is one of the best ways to dump out all the stress hormones that build up.  Their hormones are out-of-whack because their bodies are rapidly changing. This ends up feeding on itself.  

For example, because they are walking around with extra cortisol, which is the stress hormone, they might freak out over a broken pencil…I’m not joking, I’ve seen it happen in class.  Now, they have additional cortisol on top of their original high level.

Your teen (and you) don’t want that extra cortisol hanging around, so help them get rid of it and encourage exercise. You can find free workouts online, on Netflix, on Amazon Prime. I know, this technically requires a screen, but we all know this sort of screen time is a welcomed change from the normal screen time.

The next time you want them off their screens, have some go-to alternatives ready. Or, just give them this post and say, “You have 15 more minutes of screen time. Then, I want you to pick one of these.” Teens love having the power to choose. Best of all, you can avoid the dreaded, “I suck at this parent thing” feeling…at least for now.