«Again, We're Just Sitting in Phones»: How to Spend the Weekend at Home Without Going Crazy as a Family

According to VCIOM data, 64% of families spend less than two hours together per day. In bad weather, this indicator doesn't improve much — everyone retreats into their own gadget. Yet quality family time is critically important for the psychological health of all family members.

The main points from the article:

• Shared activities strengthen family bonds;
• It's important to consider the interests of all family members;
• Home recreation can be active and educational;
• You don't have to spend a lot of money on entertainment;
• Regular family activities form useful traditions.

Why board games aren't boring

Modern board games are far removed from classic Monopoly. Today, you can find games for any age and interest: from fast card games to complex strategies. It's important to choose games with consideration for the youngest participant. Start with simple 15–20 minute games, gradually increasing rules and game duration.

How to turn the kitchen into a place for experiments

Shared cooking is not just about food. It's an opportunity to teach children planning, teamwork, and basic life skills. Start with simple recipes: homemade pizza, cookies, smoothies. Assign responsibilities so that everyone feels their contribution. Children can measure ingredients, adults — handle chopping and the stove.

When was the last time you did something with your hands

Creative activities help you take your mind off screens and develop fine motor skills. Clay modeling, drawing, creating collages — all of these can be done as a family. Don't aim for perfection. The most important thing is the process and communication. Create a family art project: for example, draw a comic about your family together or sculpt characters from a favorite fairy tale.

How to set up a home cinema correctly

Watching a movie can become a full-fledged family event. Create the right atmosphere: make popcorn, turn off the lights, set up comfortable spots for everyone. It's important to choose movies interesting to each family member. After watching, discuss the film — this develops critical thinking and teaches children to express their opinions.

Why home quests are better than computer games

Creating a quest at home is simpler than it seems. Hide clues with riddles, use flashlights to find items in the dark, come up with a themed story. You can organize a treasure hunt or detective investigation. These games develop logical thinking and attention, and most importantly — unite the family around a common goal.

How to organize a gadget-free day

Announce the weekend free of electronics. Pull out old photo albums and tell family stories. Build a fort with pillows and blankets, play shadow theater. It's important to plan activities in advance and prepare everything needed so you don’t fall back into your usual phone-based entertainment.

When sports are fun

Home physical activity can be enjoyable. Host a dance battle or family yoga session. Invent an obstacle course from household items. Even regular exercise becomes more fun when you do it together and to favorite music.

How to make an ordinary day special

Create family traditions. For example, every Sunday you organize a themed day: today you're jungle explorers, and next time — scientists or pirates. Dress up in matching costumes, decorate the room, come up with themed activities and food.

Home recreation doesn't have to be boring or tiring. The key is to consider the interests and abilities of each family member, alternating active and quiet activities. Remember: it's not about the number of entertainments, but the quality of time spent together. And don't forget to photograph these moments — in years to come, they'll be the warmest memories.

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