Rain or Shine Mamma

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes

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The One Holiday Gift that Can Help You Unplug and Connect as a Family

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December 8, 2019 By Linda McGurk

If there are two phrases that get tossed around a lot in our house, it’s “Time to put your phones away!” and “No more screen time!” I know the feeling of being overwhelmed by electronic devices all too well. Often, I find myself frustrated with my kids’ obsession with the latest social media and video game fads, worrying about the impact of their electronic gadgets on their still developing brains. Just as often, I anguish over my own work-related screen time and periodic bouts of fear of missing out from my social media feeds.

How a cell phone storage box can help you unplug and connect as a family.

Thanks to the smartphone, tech is everywhere, all the time, and there’s a gross imbalance between the time now spent on gadgets and time spent outside (probably time spent face-to-face with other people as well, though I don’t have the statistics to back that up). At times, I feel like the online worlds that we engage in, each member of the family on their separate device, is a toxic distraction from “real life.” I know I’m not alone in this. In fact, it’s a complaint I hear from other parents almost daily. And many of us – children and adults alike – have a hard time self-regulating. Instead we binge.

Having said that, I know technology isn’t the enemy. I’m infinitely grateful of the apps on my smart phone that allow me to do everything from paying my bills and playing music to monitoring my nephew’s diabetes and navigating through places where I’ve never set foot before. Technology has made all of our lives a lot easier and safer – and more fun. Even though we may think of our online reality as separate from the rest of our existence, it’s very much a part of real life today.

A cell phone storage box with a top leaves your phones out of sight.

The holy grail of parenting is finding a balance between the two. It should be a telling sign of the times that HUI Research recently selected the cell phone storage box – a container that helps people unplug from their phones and tablets – Christmas Present of the Year in Sweden. The jury motivated their selection with the fact that more and more people are starting to question their cell phone use and what constantly being plugged in is doing to their relationships, sleep, concentration and mental well-being.

The selection wasn’t uncontroversial; some people criticized it for being preachy and out of touch. I personally think the jury is on to something. Smartphones and tablets are highly addictive and as long as we have them within reach, we tend to pick them up and get distracted. A cell phone storage box, or “unplug box,” helps quench the temptation to mindlessly scroll the never-ending social media feed, start another round of Word Feud or compulsively check the latest app notifications. If there is one holiday gift that could benefit the whole family, I think this is it.

Tips for using the cell phone storage box

  • The cell phone storage box doesn’t have to come from the store or be very fancy. A simple, homemade box will do the job just fine.
  • Keep the box with gadgets in an inconspicuous place. Out of sight, out of mind.
  • Have a specific time of the day or pick a day of the week that is screen free, so that you get into a routine. It’ll be easier for everyone to adapt if you all know what to expect.
  • Try to spend time as a family and plan some alternative activities when you unplug. Get the kids involved as well.
  • Establish screen-free “zones” in your home, for example around the table at dinner or in the bedroom at night.
A cubby-style cell phone storage box.

Be prepared that changing your family culture when it comes to smartphones and other electronic gadgets won’t happen overnight, especially if you have older kids who are used to always having tech at their fingertips. I’m in the middle of it myself, having set out at the start of the year with the ambition to have a screen-free day of the week. A year in, we’re still finding our way on this journey and we struggle at times, but overall, I think having intermittent self-imposed break from tech each week has been a good thing for our family.

To me, trying to unplug at times is not about fighting progress, but learning how to be intentional with our screen time. As HUI Research notes, smartphones may have changed our behavior faster than anything else in human history. Putting them away every once in a while won’t hurt the progress we’ve made. But it may be detrimental to our mental well-being and our relationships if we don’t.

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Related posts:

The Joy of Missing Out. How limiting tech use and social media can make us feel happier and more grounded. Rain or Shine MammaThe Joy of Missing Out (and How to Find It) Fourth of AdventUnplug, Unwind and Get Outside – A Relaxed Holiday Challenge! Three Weeks with No Wi-Fi. Rain or Shine MammaWhat (Nearly) Three Weeks Without Wi-Fi Looks Like When Family Camping Goes Wrong. We've all been there. The times when we've gone over the checklist, did the planning and brought all the right camping gear - and then the family camping trip still doesn't go according to plan. Rain or Shine MammaWhen Family Camping Goes Wrong
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Rain or Shine Mamma
Have you heard this word? Hands up if you think this should make it into the dictionary!🙋🏼‍♀️"Coddiwomple: (v.) to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination." 😉 ... See MoreSee Less
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I’m not going to lie - there are times when my children’s dawdling drives me nuts. Like when they take 45 minutes to finish breakfast even though we’re running late . But I also envy their ability to be completely unhurried and present in the moment, and I realize that it’s a quality that I need to protect🐌As parents, we need to make space for our children to play, get bored, dawdle, wander, wonder, create, sleep in, be wild and free and watch the clouds go by. Let them be where they are and not push them to achieve arbitrary milestones or condition them to think that a packed calendar is the key to success and happiness.As always, Ginny of @1000hoursoutside is on point🙌🏻_____________________________#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #1000hoursoutside #quote ... See MoreSee Less
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Do any of these grow near you? If so, it’s a good idea to be able to identify them. Don’t forget to show the kids!🌿A friendly reminder to all of our US friends and followers, we are really lucky we don't have these in the UK.... ... See MoreSee Less
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"Children are wired to be fascinated with nature, but it’s harder than ever for little ones to get out in green spaces. It’s nobody’s fault, really. We could point to technology reliance, dense cities or the pandemic to explain why we’re not getting out as much. But the good news is, you can reverse this trend...Whether you're a veteran green thumb or just beginning with a humble patch of dirt, [gardening] is one of the most enriching outdoor activities you can give to children."Great post from Famly, packed with tips and inspiration!🌿 ... See MoreSee Less

The best Early Years teacher is a garden | Famly

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Let's explore how you can dig deeper when gardening with children.
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Linda Åkeson McGurk
I’m not going to lie - there are times when my c I’m not going to lie - there are times when my children’s dawdling drives me nuts. Like when they take 45 minutes to finish breakfast even though we’re running late . But I also envy their ability to be completely unhurried and present in the moment, and I realize that it’s a quality that I need to protect🐌

As parents, we need to make space for our children to play, get bored, dawdle, wander, wonder, create, sleep in, be wild and free and watch the clouds go by. Let them be where they are and not push them to achieve arbitrary milestones or condition them to think that a packed calendar is the key to success and happiness.

As always, Ginny of @1000hoursoutside is on point🙌🏻
_____________________________
#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #1000hoursoutside #quote
Did you know that camping for as little as two nig Did you know that camping for as little as two nights straight can help you reset your circadian rhythms and improve your sleep for several weeks afterwards? That's because the natural light helps the body regulate melatonin, a hormone that tells the body when it's time to get up and go, and when it's time to rest and recuperate🌗 

My melatonin levels weren't top of mind when @jeanetteosterman and I started our challenge to sleep outside at least once a month for a year. But I must say, I rarely sleep as soundly and feel as energetic as I do when I sleep under the skies.

Have you ever tried sleeping in a camping hammock? I bought my first one a few years ago and I ❤️ it!
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #openairlife #sleepingoutside #camping #campinglife #hammock #sleepingoutsidechallenge #freshaireveryday
Raise your hand if you have a teen or tween and fe Raise your hand if you have a teen or tween and feel like you're constantly negotiating/fighting/fretting over your child's screen time👋🏼 

Well, you're not alone😰 

Since 2011, when mobile internet had its breakthrough, teens' and tweens' screen time has increased dramatically. At the same time, physical activity has decreased significantly. The WHO recommends that teenagers get at least one hour of physical activity every day, but in reality 85% of the girls and 78% of the boys globally don't meet the target.

Making outdoor activity a normal part of your daily routine can help  your tween or teen get the exercise and fresh air they need  and lay the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. I'm the first to admit that it isn't easy, but then again, nobody said parenting would be a cakewalk🤪

Hang in there and check out a few of the strategies that help me balance screen time with 'green time'. Do you have any tips to share?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #parenting #parentingteens #parentingtweens #getoutside
“I’m not thrilled about looking older. But wha “I’m not thrilled about looking older. But what unsettles me the most about the 40s is the implication that I’m now a grown-up myself.”
- Pamela Druckerman

Forty-four laps around the sun today and I still find that the passing of time is one of life’s greatest mysteries.
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #aging #44 
@pameladruck
This is exactly how I feel when I spend time in na This is exactly how I feel when I spend time in nature and why I find it so relaxing. When I’m outside with my kids I’m really present in the moment and there’s no place I’d rather be❤️ Hope you feel the same🌿

Quote by @awilderchild 
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They don’t always want to come hiking with me bu They don’t always want to come hiking with me but when they do, they want hot chocolate 100% of the time❤️😅

What’s your outdoor comfort food?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #outdoorfood #friluftsliv #outsideeveryday #optoutside #vitaminn
This giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations @conn This giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations @connectedmothering, you are our winner!🙌🏻🎉🎊

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Air is the element that is constantly on the move, blowing through the trees, helping flowers pollinate and oxygenating our bodies. It’s something that we can’t live without, yet often take for granted. Fortunately, children’s author Simone Nofel is here to do air justice with a brand new and beautifully illustrated picture book that will inspire you to explore this essential element with your little ones📚 The best part? You now have a chance to win a copy of Air: Exploring the Elements!
 
How to enter👇🏼
 
✅ Like and save this post.
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The giveaway closes on April 10 and we will draw a random winner after that. You must be 18 and live in the U.S. or Canada to enter. This giveaway is not associated with or sponsored by Instagram. Good luck!❤
I’ve always loved traveling and have been to my I’ve always loved traveling and have been to my fair share of exotic places, the farther the better🌎 Sometimes, I’d stay for a week, sometimes for months, or even a year. But in the past few years, my horizon has narrowed, and not only because of the pandemic. 

The effects of global climate change are real and it’s becoming harder and harder for me to justify flying for recreation. I’m not here to say that I’m swearing off flying altogether (we have a lot of family abroad that we can only get to by air) but I’m mostly trying to satisfy my craving for adventure at local destinations these days. And it’s been an eye opener🤩

There’s so much more to discover locally than I’d ever thought and going on these micro adventures makes me feel more rooted in my community and the history of this place. Hopefully, my girls will feel it too🌳

What are your thoughts on exploring more locally?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #microadventure #microadventures #sweden #outdooradventures #åsletå #hornborgarsjön
When I became a parent, one of the first books I r When I became a parent, one of the first books I read was Free-Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy and I felt like I’d finally found somebody who “got it.”🙌🏻 Somebody who stood up and said enough is enough with the helicopter parenting trend, questioned the need for baby knee pads and reminded everyone that it’s okay for kids to be bored, drink out of the garden hose, climb trees and play without intervention by adults who are trying to make the activity more “educational.” Somebody who understood that free play is learning. And for that, we thank her🙏🏻🙌🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #freerangekids #freerangekid #wildandfreechildren #wildandfreekids #wildandfree #wildschooling #freeplay #playingislearning #letthemplay #letthembekids #letthembewild 
@lskenazy
A follower recently asked me when she could start A follower recently asked me when she could start hiking with her kids, to which I responded that I’ve always hiked with mine, ever since they were babies👶🏻 I kept going after they graduated from the carrier, but obviously “hiking” with a toddler is a lot different than hiking by yourself and I think it’s important to be prepared for and accepting of that, or nobody is going to have a good time.

If you’d like to know more about hiking with toddlers, I share some tips in this post: https://rainorshinemamma.com/hiking-with-toddlers/. 

What are your thoughts on hiking with little kids? Do you have any tips that you’d like to share?💡
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #hiking #hikingwithkids #hikingwithtoddlers #hikingwithbabies #optoutside
Yes, it looks cozy around the fire and it was🔥 Yes, it looks cozy around the fire and it was🔥 What the picture doesn’t show is us making a wrong turn and losing the trail, resulting in a 1.5-mile detour with heavy packs and sunset closing in on us before we finally reached our campsite🙈

One of the reasons why I love hiking and backpacking is that even though it’s about “living simply”, it also involves a great deal of problem-solving. I actually like it when things don’t go exactly according to plan, because you learn more that way. Not just practical things, like figuring out your location and getting on the right track, but also about yourself and your reaction to challenges🙌🏻

In this case, the wrong turn was just a minor misstep that we were able to correct by backtracking, but it was a good way to test our reasoning skills and resilience at a point when we were both starting to get a little tired.

This was our fourth time of sleeping outside at least once a month for a year, a challenge I jumped on thanks to my friend @jeanetteosterman. I’m not normally one to do challenges but this has been a fantastic way to push my boundaries and learn new skills. Who knows, maybe sleeping under the open skies once a month will become my new normal?😜🤩
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #optoutside #outdoorexperten #camping #campinglife #springcamping #backpacking #backpackingwithkids #vitaminn
I think it’s safe to say that if more of us trie I think it’s safe to say that if more of us tried to see the world through a child’s eye, this Earth would be a much more loving and compassionate place❤️

Thanks @awilderchild for your amazing nature poetry🙏🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #nature #naturepoetry #quotes #naturequotes
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