Taming Tech: Tip #3

TIP #3: TRADE UP

In 2005, a Canadian blogger, Kyle MacDonald, inspired by a game he played as a kid, dreamed of making trades, starting with a red paper clip, until achieving his goal “for a house. Or an island. Or a house on an island.”

It seemed like an impossible venture, but after 14 trades over the course of a year, he successfully traded up for a house. I love the idea of trading something with less value for something with greater value.

Consider trading screen time, which has less value, for things with greater value like meaningful family activities; board games, outdoor sports, engaging hobbies, cooking together, crafts, gardening, or any number of non-screen activities.

Make a list of things you have been neglecting due to the bad habit of defaulting to screens. Consider it an investment in the lives of your children.