Developmental Snapshot: Internet Fasts Are Good For Kids

Imagination at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris

Yesterday was Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement in judaism.

It has typically always been one of my favorite days because it reminds me of what I have that I take for granted like many Westerners.

When I was younger, I was mostly aware of giving up food and water for Yom Kippur. Much of the day was spent ruminating on time moving slowly, on the importance of food once it is absent, on the centrality of meals for structuring one's days and one the insidious physical and cognitive effects of restricting food and water for just 25 hours.

Fast forward to the current era: we are still giving up food for Yom Kippur but also notably giving up internet/cell phone use..... AKA other things that we also have learned to completely take for granted and, sadly, abuse.

So, what happened yesterday morning in our food-less, internet-less and cell-phone-less for 25 hours home?

I wake to raucous noise coming from our youngest's bedroom.  I go investigate and see my 3 boys sitting around in a circle, wearing blue headbands adorned with cards ( click here for a visual display) and chatting it up loudly.  First time they are playing this game which they've had for several months.

Let me tell you: even more impressive than giving up food.

Till Later,

Anne