Today everyone is busy. Not only working parents but even housewives and retired persons are also busy in their own work and hobbies. All of us want personal space and some private moments. What about children? They too nowadays have their own likings and hobbies. Earlier, children used to play more in the playground and were involved more in physical activities. But today’s young generation is more inclined towards playing video games on computers and internets and watching TV and movies on home theatre.

Although to some extent after rigorous day at school they should get some time for recreation and entertainment, playing with electronic gadgets is more becoming an addiction than a small time affair of entertainment. Not only it stops them from having good fresh air and physical activities but also restricts their growth which can be possible by doing other activities like reading, listening to good musical albums and playing in the garden. So how can you force this gadget addicted generation to try healthier and intellectually challenging activities? Some simple steps here can help you find out a good solution.          

• Not only children but adults too need to watch TV after their hectic day. But instead of watching it for long hours some particular timing for TV watching should be scheduled. Tell your children that if they want to watch TV or play any video game they should do so in those restricted hours.  In severe addiction cases you can keep the video games or the TV remote out of the hands of children and give to them only when the time is right.
• Encourage your child to go out and play in the garden or playground. If you have a small garden or kitchen garden at your backyard you can ask your child to help you out in gardening. This will make him acquainted with different herbs and plants. Working in garden will also give him physical activity and make him fresher after routine school day.
• Motivate your child to develop a hobby or take any sports activity. Find out what are the other hidden skills in your child and try to bring them out. If your child has a good voice start sending him to music class! This will help him to cultivate a new hobby and bring out his talent to the forefront. May be these can open doors of a new career stream for him in the future. Depending upon the talent you can make him learn different activities like painting, instrumental music or sports.
• Books are the treasure trove of knowledge. Apart from the school syllabus try to make your child read other good books-fiction or non fiction. Reading is good hobbies which can help your child gain more knowledge and will also keep him occupied.
• Crafts, paintings, drawings, sculpting and many other activities can be tried to make your child go away from the electronic gadgets like video games and TV. The main idea is to keep them busy in physical and intellectual activities so that they get tired and do not have stamina and time to indulge too much in these electronic gadgets.