
In a world dominated by screens, our family's digital detox weekend at a remote cottage revealed the power of unplugging. With no internet or distractions, we reconnected with each other, enjoyed nature, and discovered the importance of intentional, device-free time.
This past Thanksgiving weekend, our family took a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. We packed up and headed out for a 7-hour drive that took us past Quebec City to a rustic cottage near La Pocatière. There were five kids, six adults, two animals, and one thing noticeably missing—no phones, internet, or television. And you know what? It was amazing!
We arrived late Friday night, and the weekend kicked off in full swing. As with many family gatherings, especially with cousins reconnecting after some time apart, bedtime became more of a suggestion than a rule. There was laughter, conversation, and excitement in the air. The whole weekend was filled with games—so many games—walks through the woods, stories, delicious food, and a visit to the Grand Labyrinthe Kamouraska, a Guinness Book of World Record corn maze.
Three days flew by in a blur of connection, creativity, and joy. The coolest part? Not once did we hear any of the kids say they were bored. And there was no internet! It felt like stepping back in time to when I was a kid visiting my cousins in the 80’s. No screens were there to pull us away from one another; the only "distractions" were the activities that brought us closer (I’ll admit I did do a little book editing during down time).
We even played a game called Werewolf, where discussions were essential for figuring out who among us were the villagers and who were the werewolves trying to thin the population. The kids were so engrossed in it—and they loved every minute. In fact, my kids said it was one of the best weekends they'd ever had.
So why am I mentioning the lack of internet? Because, as a family, we monitor the role technology plays in our kids' lives. They don’t have their own phones or iPads, and the family iPad is used sparingly. We do this because we know the pull of devices and the effects they can have, not only on the children but on us as adults too. The faster technology goes, the slower life seems to feel and the less stimulating it becomes, and my wife and I made a conscious decision early to limit its role while our children's minds are still developing.
This weekend was an eye-opener because even with our limited exposure to the digital world we noticed a profound difference. It was a digital detox, and it showed us just how incredible life can be when we're not tethered to a screen – even just a little. We saw our kids' creativity at work. They explored, invented games, used their imaginations, and immersed themselves in nature. They didn’t need a screen to keep them entertained. They needed each other and the world around them.
As we drove home, we asked our kids if they'd want to do another digital detox weekend. The unanimous answer was "yes!" But often we can go big when really, doing something small over a long period of time can yield amazing results. Why wait for another cottage visit? How can our families carve out daily moments of digital downtime?
Do we as adults turn off our devices before we turn off the lights at night? Or after? Are we letting the last thing we see at night, and the first thing we see in the morning, be a screen? If so, our kids are watching. Without creating intentional distance, we might not even notice the pull technology has over us. The things we are unaware of have great power over us -and our children. The pull to the screens is so powerful, and the only way to manage that pull is by setting boundaries.
I realized this weekend that I, too, felt some relief when we visited the corn maze and I could finally check my messages—go dopamine! It was proof that I'm a "pickle," so to speak. Let me explain: We all start off as cucumbers, untouched by the effects of technology, but as we engage more and more with it, we marinate in its pull and the dopamine hits it provides. Eventually, we become pickles, unable to go back to being cucumbers, but still capable of setting limits. We can create barriers—scheduling daily digital shutdowns and detox weekends. We can teach our kids (and ourselves) that it’s okay to put the devices down and be present.
In a world where our attention is constantly being fought over—where attention has become a commodity—it’s essential to recognize that what we’re really spending is time. Ryan Holiday has a quote that hands in my office, “Everything you choose to do you are purchasing with your life.” The quote highlights a powerful idea about the value of time and choices. It suggests that our time is the most valuable currency we have, and every decision we make is an investment of our life’s moments. The most precious and non-renewable thing we have.
This weekend will be a memory our kids carry with them for the rest of their lives. It was that special. I know because I remember my own cottage visits with cousins back in the 80s, and I’m grateful we’re giving our children those same kinds of experiences.
So, the question we should all ask ourselves is: What relationship will we have with our devices, when will we disconnect, and how will this help us reconnect with what truly matters? Our families, our friends, and the moments we create together.
At Jung Do Martial Arts Academy, we believe in teaching resilience, discipline, and the strength that comes from within. As much as we train our bodies, we also need to train our minds to take breaks, to slow down, and to focus on the present. Consider taking a digital detox of your own—it might just be the reset your family needs.
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