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Screen-free car entertainment for teen

53 replies

LongTermLurker · 03/08/2023 14:48

We're trying to break DC13's screen addiction / have a bit of a dopamine reset. We've offered a financial bribe to go 10 days without a screen, and are combining this with a trip to stay with the in-laws (I'm hoping this will ease the process as the in-laws are great fun, and there's always plenty of non-screen stuff to do). However, it entails an approx 10 hour journey there and back again.

I'm brainstorming with DC about car entertainment. Reading is tricky as they get car-sick when reading. I was thinking a pack of cards for solitaire, some embroidery thread for making friendship bracelets, playing audio-books / podcasts, maybe a puzzle book if car-sickness allows...

Any other ideas?

OP posts:
Coffeeismyfriend1 · 08/08/2023 13:37

My 6 yo DS had ADHD, his tablet ran out of charge on the way home yesterday 2 hrs of ‘I’m bored, how much longer’ was getting insufferable! He had other toys he’d selected to bring with him but he didn’t want to engage with any of them yesterday! Managing ADHD on a long journey is a challenge! We have a touring caravan and he loves going away on it but hates the car journey!

If they like building on Roblox would some Lego help? Doesn’t need to be a specific kit to follow instructions but they could build a house etc? You can buy boxes with a board on top to help keep it together. Rubix cubes? Thinking fidget type stuff. If you have the other children in the car then card games like uno?

What do you expect them to do instead of tablet time when you get back? Is that something they can do in the car on longer journeys? We are trying to direct my son more towards his Lego to reduce his screen time.

eurochick · 08/08/2023 13:56

Audiobooks and car DJ (go around the car taking turns to pick a song - someone will need access to a phone to play the music).

Finchgold · 08/08/2023 19:57

Rubix cube. I always have a few fidget toys in the car for the kids on long journeys.

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