Joshua Fields, MD, a pediatrician from Children’s Wisconsin, knows it can be hard to get away from your screens. When we interviewed him on Zoom for this article, he laughed and said, “There are screens in front of me right now!” But as a doctor, he also knows that too much screen time isn’t good for anyone.
“The more screen time you have, and the more screens there are around you, the more negative side effects we see in kids and in adults,” he says. “When you have less time on screens, you get better sleep, have better self-esteem, and you feel better, too.”
With Dr. Fields’ advice in mind, we found some fun alternatives to screen activities for you to try!
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If you like Minecraft and Roblox … build a Lego set!
Take a break from your virtual world to build something physical – just like Bucks star Myles Turner (see page 16). You can buy a Lego set of something cool (Millennium Falcon? Pirate ship? Optimus Prime?) or just get a bunch of bricks and free-build from your imagination.
If you like watching TV … read an adventure story!
Get lost in wild fiction in the many awesome book series for young readers. We’d suggest Percy Jackson’s adventures in the world of mythology, or, if you’re looking for a laugh, the “Dog Man” series. At one of the Milwaukee Public Library branches, a librarian can help you find a book you’ll love. mpl.org
If you like playing Animal Crossing … go birdwatching!
Do you have space at home for a birdfeeder? If so, hang it outside and watch the birds that stop by for a snack. Write down all the different types that visit. Or take a trip to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. It’s our local birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 250 bird species flying around! schlitzaudubon.org
If you like Madden and NBA 2K … play sports with MKE Rec!
It’s pretty cool to nail a Hail Mary on PS5, but it’s cooler to nail one in real life. MKE Rec has tons of sports leagues to join: soccer, basketball, flag football, softball, tennis and more. milwaukeerecreation.net
If you like Pinterest and Instagram … draw!
Love surfing through other people’s beautiful photos and artwork? Try making some of your own. You can do it yourself, of course, but the Milwaukee Art Museum hosts fun classes that provide supplies and let you work on unique art projects with other kids. mam.org
