9 Ways to Encourage Children to Connect, Create, and Play Away from the Screen
Is it almost time for school vacation? Are you wondering how to spend that time? Given how exhausting holidays can be, especially for working parents, it's understandable that children are frequently allowed to spend hours watching TV, playing video games, or using a tablet. After all, happy, quiet children make for happy parents who can finally get some work done — or relax.
However, children are spending an excessive amount of time in front of screens. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children aged 8 to 12 spend four to six hours each day watching or using screens, while tweens and teens spend nine hours.
Given how appealing devices and social media can be, those figures could easily rise during unscheduled periods such as weekends and school vacations. That is why it is important to be proactive and come up with alternative activities. Here are some ideas for parents and caregivers to try. These are mostly appropriate for elementary school-aged children, but some may also appeal to tweens and teens.
Taking time off the screen
Go outside. This may sound obvious, but kids spend less time outside than they used to, and it can be a lot of fun. If you have a yard, go outside and play hide-and-seek or make a fort out of snow or other materials. If you don't have a yard, visit a nearby park or simply go for a walk. A scavenger hunt around the block or a game of I Spy could be a good incentive.
Walk to the library
Do this early in your child's vacation to ensure that they have plenty of books, puzzles, and games to keep them entertained. Check out as many as they allow you to carry. Ask if a Library of Things is available at a branch near you: crafts, tools, musical instruments, birding kits, telescopes, and even metal detectors can be borrowed for free.
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Photo of Teyana Taylor
$7-figure payouts, four houses, and $8K NBA star Iman got hit hard in her divorce settlement when it comes to child support.
Iman Asante Shumpert, a basketball player, and Teyana Taylor, an actress, are said to have reached a multimillion-dollar divorce settlement.
The Express Tribune says Shumpert has finalized a legally binding deal that requires him to pay Teyana a seven-figure sum all at once.
Teyana also got four expensive homes worth more than $10 million, a $300,000 Maybach, and a $70,000 Mercedes Sprinter.
Besides that, the ex-Brooklyn Nets player will have to pay $8,000 a month in child support and share custody of their two daughters.
After being married since 2016, the couple split up in 2023. Multiple reports say that Iman broke their prenuptial agreement, but the exact reason for their breakup is still unknown.
The Express Tribune says Shumpert has finalized a legally binding deal that requires him to pay Teyana a seven-figure sum all at once.
Teyana also got four expensive homes worth more than $10 million, a $300,000 Maybach, and a $70,000 Mercedes Sprinter.
Besides that, the ex-Brooklyn Nets player will have to pay $8,000 a month in child support and share custody of their two daughters.
After being married since 2016, the couple split up in 2023. Multiple reports say that Iman broke their prenuptial agreement, but the exact reason for their breakup is still unknown.
Late in the first half, Duke first star Cooper Flagg suffered a left ankle injury and will not be returning to the No. 1 Blue Devils' ACC tournament game against Georgia Tech on Thursday.
At halftime, Flagg was spotted wheelchair-bound, being transported to the X-ray room, then returning to the bench on his own strength early in the second half. Duke clarified, though, that he will not be playing for the remainder of the game.
Duke was behind 26-17 late in the first half, so he sustained an injury. Flagg ascended for an uncontested rebound, but he landed badly on Georgia Tech's Darrion Sutton's foot and fell to the ground. Bent over with his hands on the seats, he hobbled back to the bench in obvious discomfort and hammered a chair in rage.
Two teammates helped Flagg get to the locker room for additional assessment after he had a few minutes of rest on the bench.
With a shoulder injury, Duke also lost Maliq Brown in the first half; the team decided to rule him out for the rest of the game.
Before this matchup, everyone expected Duke, who ranked first this week, to be the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Completing the regular season 28-3, the Blue Devils had won eight straight games.
Throughout the regular season, Flagg, the ACC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, averaged 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.
Source: ESPN.
I wouldn’t recommend Devil's Pulpit—I honestly believe it should be closed to the public. This is one of those posts where I had to sit down and really reflect. I believe that nature has a purpose and we must sometimes allow it to unfold naturally. I understand that people love to take a walk and enjoy the views, but even the slightest misstep here can lead to disaster.
This area is experiencing rapid erosion, seemingly consuming the land. From what I saw, the government tried to set up protective barriers, but the relentless erosion keeps eating away at the soil. They kept extending the barrier away from the erosion but nature is not giving up. There’s even a sign warning visitors about the danger, not just from the unstable ground but from the falling trees as well. Trees are toppling over every day, and loose stones are tumbling down. It’s a natural disaster in the making, because no one can truly stop nature.
The Devil’s Pulpit & Waterfall in Finnich GlenI felt a mix of fear and unease, like I might fall if I got too close—the drop and the unstable footing made me very uncomfortable. Normally, my partner would be the one urging me to explore further, but this time he was already ready to leave. For the first time on our adventure, my partner said, “I don’t like this place—let’s go.”
We managed to find a safe spot near the water, well away from the Devil’s Pulpit, and took some photos from a distance. The climb was exhausting—we were out of breath and had to stop to rest because we had to climb a fallen tree to get a bit close to the flowing river. We avoided taking too many photos of the Devil’s Pulpit itself because the ground is so soft and treacherous that if you get too excited, you might end up falling. Plus, the wind and scattered debris only add to the risk.
To anyone planning a visit, please consider another spot in Scotland. There are plenty of beautiful natural areas that are much safer. As the name implies, the Devil’s Pulpit is dangerous—it can kill you with a single fall. This place gave me a really fearful vibe, but I can’t fault nature for that; it wasn’t inviting us in—the danger was just there, and we found ourselves in it. Honestly, we never expected to stumble into such a perilous zone. It’s not a place you’d ever want to bring a child.
The photos we saw online have enhanced colors, but they don’t accurately capture just how dangerous this place is. If you insist on visiting this location, be sure to go with someone. This spot isn’t a hidden secret. Thanks to its appearances in TV shows like Outlander and films like the 2019 Pokémon movie and Outlaw King, it's become a bit more popular. It’s easier to find now, but be warned: for safety reasons, it can sometimes be closed off. This address is A809 &, B834, Glasgow G63 9QJ. It is located near Drymen in Stirlingshire, Scotland, approximately 15 miles northwest of Glasgow. Getting there is straightforward. The nearest city is Glasgow, and from there it's roughly a 30-40 minute drive into the countryside along the A809 road. However, due to ongoing maintenance work, the traffic light at the maintenance area added a few extra minutes to our journey.
Now, you might wonder: is it illegal to walk down to the Devil’s Pulpit? Not at all—but keep in mind that this is private land. In Scotland, you’re allowed to wander on private property, but that doesn’t give you a free pass to treat it like your personal playground. Unfortunately, some visitors have littered, damaged property, left behind BBQs, and even started fires. Remember, when you’re out in nature, the best thing you should leave behind is just your footprints.
When’s the best time to visit? Frankly, Finnich Glen is no longer a secret treasure. It gets pretty busy, especially during peak seasons and weekends. When we visited, it wasn't so busy because we visited on a Monday. If you’re after some solitude for photography or just a peaceful escape, aim for early morning or late afternoon. In Scottish summers, daylight can stretch until around 10 pm, which means sunnier, drier, and safer conditions for your adventure. Just don’t plan to be there too late—it’s not the kind of spot you want to be navigating in the dark! I can only imagine how scary this place would be at night. No wayyyy!
Before you head out on your Devil’s Pulpit hike, here’s a quick packing guide based on my own choices:
- Footwear: I wore my sneakers; don't be like me; you need proper hiking boots or waterproof shoes.
- Clothing: I dressed well, but I did not layer as much as I always did—next time, I will stick with proper hiking attire.
- Torch/Headlamp: Some sections of the hike—like Jacob’s Ladder—can get really dark. Trust me, if you ever find yourself in the gorge after sunset, a headlamp will be a total lifesaver. Honestly, visiting a spot like this really teaches you the importance of being prepared for anything.
- Water Bottle: While you might think the Devil’s Pulpit would have fresh water, no, you cannot drink the water; I don't think it is safe. We carried our own water. Carry your own water.
- Camera/Phone: Of course, you want to capture the memories—it’s better to have a waterproof cover over your phone but I did not have that.
- Wear your garment of awareness. Don't be carried away. I mean, be conscious and don't be too free around here.
St. Patrick's Day 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event! Whether you're Irish by blood or just enjoy the festivities, this year's celebration promises a mix of cultural events, creative trends, and tons of fun. From iconic Guinness drinks to eco-conscious green fashion, let's dive into how to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, what's trending this year, and some awesome places around the world where you can join in on the festivities. Get ready to enjoy the luck of the Irish in style!
1. How to Prepare for St. Patrick's Day 2025
Whether you're hosting a party, attending a parade, or simply planning to enjoy the day with family and friends, preparation is key for making the most of St. Patrick's Day.
Green Food & Drinks
Green Food & Drinks
First up, let's talk about the green! No St. Patrick's Day is complete without some seriously green food and beverages. This year, there's a shift toward natural food dyes, with spinach powder gaining popularity for turning everything from cupcakes to cocktails into vibrant green treats. Not only is it healthy, but it's a win for sustainability! Check out this guide from Serious Eats for the best natural green food coloring alternatives.
Don't forget the drinks – Guinness is always the star of the show. This year, though, there's a fun viral trend called "splitting the G," where drinkers aim to sip their pints exactly to the center of the Guinness logo. Whether you're a fan of the classic stout or prefer a more colorful cocktail, make sure to enjoy your drinks in the spirit of the day!
2. Trending Events and Celebrations
Across the globe, St. Patrick's Day 2025 is trending with exciting celebrations, both old and new. Here's a sneak peek at some of the major happenings:
1. Guinness Consumption Hits a New High
1. Guinness Consumption Hits a New High
The Cheltenham Festival in the UK is gearing up for a Guinness consumption surge, with an estimated 380,000 pints expected to be poured throughout the festival. That's a 43% increase from 2024! This spike in consumption is attributed to the popular 'splitting the G' trend. If you're attending this festival or any other Irish-themed event, expect Guinness to be flowing like never before.
2. St. Patrick's Day Events in Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is home to one of the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States. This year, get ready for parades, the greening of fountains, and cultural ceremonies that reflect Savannah's deep Irish heritage. Expect thousands to fill the streets in celebration. If you're looking for an authentic, fun-filled experience, Savannah is a must-visit location this year!
3. St. Patrick's Day Festivities in Glasgow
Over in Glasgow, Scotland, there's no shortage of activities for St. Patrick's Day 2025. From LUSH workshops where you can create your own bath bombs to performances like 'Ireland The Show' at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, there's something for everyone. The Stiff Little Fingers concert on March 17th is a must for music lovers looking to soak in some punk rock vibes.
4. Warm Weather or a Chill?
If you're celebrating in Ireland, be prepared for a sudden drop in temperature before the big day. The forecast predicts temperatures dropping to -2°C, and we might even see some sleet or hail. However, fear not – March 17th itself promises to be calm and dry, giving you the perfect weather to enjoy the festivities. Be sure to bundle up and stay cozy, no matter where you are!
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