There is no TV in our home.
That makes movies and cartoons pretty much a non-issue for our kids. They've both grown up without it thus far and they have no desire for something they have never known. (We broke the TV habit as a newly married couple when we moved to a town without reception. We didn't enjoy it enough to consider paying $65/month for cable. That was nine years ago and we've never looked back.)
Because we run a home-based business, they do see us on the computer. Every day. That is screen time too, and they are curious about the computer and all the ideas lurking inside of this box.
Sage was once so interested that he made his own IMac.
Complete with exchangeable screens, a mouse, and keyboard, he sat at the table computing. It was creative, self-directed, and entertaining (to us and to him).
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Since the children want to participate in this online world that they see us in we've come to a wonderful solution. We discovered a few favorite websites that we visit for a moment, find what we love, and run to the craft table. I hope these gems inspire you and your children to jump in to some new projects and experiments. Happy crafting!
This is our absolute favorite website. The craft projects draw off of countless blogs, so we've found some additional inspiration when we click through.
Using 3 rubberbands, tape, string, paper, straws, paperclips, and 3 pennies can you build a hovercraft? Kids who Think is the MacGyver project site for kids. Each week they provide a challenge and a parts list. Then you find a creative solution.
I love this magazine more than any I have ever read. Their Facebook page contains some great daily free crafts, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you aren't on Facebook, their website has a few great freebies too! (We are about to be featured there with a pattern we created!)