Unplug and
Emily Dolton
Connect!
24 hours of untethered family fun Celebrate the 12th annual National Day of Unplugging, a 24-hour event dedicated to family connection that starts on Friday, March 5. “No headphones in the common areas!” I yelled at my son after trying to get his attention three times. My family started wearing headphones last year to concentrate on our individual needs. We stopped talking to one another, so we made a rule to reconnect when grabbing snacks between Zoom classes and meetings. No earbuds or TV allowed— just wellness checks and hugs.
30 • SanDiegofamily.com • March 2021
The National Day of Unplugging (NDU), built on the idea of family connection, is an event that starts at sundown on Friday, March 5 and runs until sundown on Saturday, March 6. This 24hour family day centers around putting devices to “sleep” and focusing on loved ones. There are no social media check-ins, just living in the moment through art, music, recreation and play. So, what’s the best way to focus on family and reconnect? NDU has 50 ideas on their website for socially distanced fun. Here are a few favorites.
Create Fort Night (not Fortnite) Fun! Build a fort with boxes, toss blankets over a table or create an A-frame with couch cushions. Fill it with family, plush friends, flashlights and books. Make a picnic. Try an alternative to traditional s’mores (www.sandiegofamily.com/thingsto-do/dining-and-recipes/21-waysto-make-smores), pretend the power is out and camp in the living room. IKEA offers instructions on Instagram for those who lack architectural fort skills, or use Noodle Builder Girders (durable, foam connectors) and pool noodles to create forts with doors that open and close. NDU is having a photo contest for the most creative fort, best built by a child, closest to nature and more. www.nationaldayofunplugging.com/ unplugged-blog/lets-go-camp-in
