With the ubiquity of technology in our lives, families are having to work harder to prioritize quality time. According to a survey of 2,000 American parents, it seems that most of us fall short of striking the balance – with moms and dads spending an average of five hours a day on electronic devices while devoting only four hours to engaging in meaningful activities with their kids.
Sadly, this isn’t a trend exclusive to moms and dads. The same survey revealed that 81% of young children own at least two devices. But, with more than half of parents (60%) seeking ways to escape technology and reconnect with their families, it’s no wonder that most are setting limits on device usage and encouraging outdoor activities.
With more parents turning to nature for quality time, camping has emerged as the most popular summer activity for families. Kayak.com’s survey shows that more than half of American families visited a campground in the past year. According to Campspot, the purpose-driven camping marketplace, parents are seeing the positive impact that such special activities have on their kids’ personal development.
The survey revealed that parents observed an increase in their kids’ problem-solving skills (59%), independence (54%), and resilience (54%) after engaging in experiences such as nature walks, campfire cooking, fishing, and tent-setting. Additionally, the survey showed that 72% of parents were able to focus more on family time, while more than half (52%) admitted to feeling more relaxed and laid-back away from their devices.
“By spending quality time without electronic devices, we give ourselves the gift of undivided attention, fostering deeper connections and meaningful conversations that become the foundation of lasting memories,” said Erin Stender, the chief marketing officer at Campspot.
Considering the remarkable benefits of such activities, parents should consider making camping and other outdoor activities a priority this summer – if only to experience all the positives that come with unplugging and reconnecting with nature. Research has shown that screens can have an adverse impact on mental and physical health. So, it would be logical to find ways to include unplugged activities in our daily lives as much as possible.
