Family time is becoming more and more a thing of the past. Don’t get me wrong, our family is very plugged-in. However, we have a rule in the house that I’m a stickler on No Tech at the Table. This Family Time Crate helps put electronics away for dinner and other family time activities. It gets everyone together to be held accountable.
Family Time Crate – Put Electronics Away for Dinner
A simple crate from the local craft store will do for this project. From there, it is up to your imagination. In today’s post, I’ll show you how we created ours.
How to Get Kids to Put Down the Electronics (and adults too!)
What You Need
Walnut Hollow 6.5 by 5.3 by 4.25-Inch Crate, Mini
Minwax 30807 Water Based Express Color Wiping Stain and Finish, IndigoUS Art Supply 3 Pack of Variety Size Synthetic Bristle Paint, Chip and Utility Paint Brushes for Paint, Stains, Varnishes, Glues, and Gesso
&
I love my Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine for its wireless capability and ease of use. Amazon has one of the best prices I have seen in the product photo below.
Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting MachineCricut Vinyl Sampler Pack, Brights
&
Instructions
-
-
- Begin by staining the crate with the wood stain color of your choice.
- Let dry completely.
- Using a Cricut (or other vinyl cutting device), create a saying for your crate to cut.
- Be sure your measure what the width is of each of the flats so that you can probably size your printed quote.
- You can use quotes like, “It’s family time”, “Family Time Crate”, “Unplug”. Anything catchy.
- Sand to smooth the area where you are placing the vinyl quote if the area is rough.
- Adhere the quote to the crate and smooth to stick.
- Place the crate where it is easy to access for everyone and enjoy family time.
-
Make Family Time a Priority
Make sure to have everyone silence or turn-off their electronics before putting them into the crate. This way there is no temptation. Be the example and place your devices in as well. This isn’t just for the kids.
I think by visually putting away the things that connect us to the outside world and disconnect us sometimes from family is the key. It helps our kids (and ourselves) understand the importance of unplugging for a bit. It might even work as a great place to store devices before bedtime. A way to organize the house a bit.
I hope this simple craft helps bring a little more family time into your home. Remember to utilize it and not let it become a clutter holder.