Just the other day, I was having a conversation with my sisters. The topic: my nieces and nephew. More specifically though, we were discussing their obsession with technology. I can’t count on my hands all the gadgets my nieces and nephew possess. From gaming consoles, to tablets, to smart watches, they may be more connected to the world than I am. I have to take part in the blaming process behind all of this, however, because technology makes life so much easier. When we’re out shopping or at dinner and the kids are getting antsy, my go-to gesture is to hand them my cellphone and let them play a game. I have even noticed myself handing my phone to Marlee when I am trying to eat, to distract her from my food. Again, technology just makes life easier but, is easier necessarily better?

If technology is striving to oversimplify life, are kids missing out and failing to enjoy life? I am not that old, but when I was growing up, my forms of entertainment included: a bike, basketball, or board game. As a matter of fact, I think I remember those moments and cherish them more thoroughly, because they forced me to communicate more, especially with my older sister. I seriously made her read me a book every night for about two months straight until one day, that book miraculously went missing. Special moments like these are now moments we laugh about. I worry my nieces and nephew, and even my own daughter, may not have these moments.

So now, we’re getting back to the basics. My sisters and I have decided that entertainment for the kids will now include more “old fashioned” things, without a battery or charging cord attached. This includes puzzles, painting, and whatever we can find to accomplish this. Unfortunately, we don’t always have time to come up with a project or activity for the kids, and need a quick solution. I found this answer in Target. They now sell prepackaged DIY kits of all types, made by Handmade Modern. The one I chose was an animal head that can be painted any way you choose, then assembled and it was only $9.99. This makes the perfect DIY project that can also be hung in the kids’ room as décor.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the adults can enjoy themselves after dinner, while the kids get knee deep in paint and glitter. A win for everyone.