Recently a math teacher in our area gave her students a choice. They could take their final exam, but they could opt out if they surrendered their cell phones. You would think this was a no brainer, but almost all of them chose to give up their phones for a week.
Her whole point was to get the students to realize there was another world beside that little piece of plastic that was connected at the hip. Her tactics worked. Kids began to communicate again. They didn’t have to take the exam, but were given additional assignments to maintain their grades, but the greater lesson learned here was how important it is to start real live communication again.
What a great teacher!
Maybe now that school is out for summer break, it might be a good time for parents to institute a similar option. There is so much out there for our children to experience and none of it involves texting, email or tweeting.
If you haven’t enrolled your child in some physical activities – do so. Encourage them to do as much outdoors as possible. Maybe they could help an old lady weed her garden. (My weeks have taken on an identity of their own.) They might offer to babysit for a child in the neighborhood for free. Helping others is a great confidence builder. Spend time at the beach – go for a walk – glide over the water in a canoe – plan a treasure hunt. Anything that involves interaction is great for future team building and problem solving.
There will be many good memories of this summer if they begin to turn their thoughts and deeds outside of themselves.
I know this might sound drastic to some and even brutal to others, but you will be giving one of the best life lessons you can. You don’t have to confiscate the phone for the entire summer, but I am willing to bet they won’t be relying on it nearly as much anymore when school resumes.
The reason we have summer vacations is to renew physical bodies and refresh them for the work that lies ahead. It is the responsibility of parents to also remind their kids where their true strength lies – in their one and only God.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
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