A screen-free (well mostly) summer reset inspired by dying iPads and sweet childhood memories

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It started with a meltdown.
A very dramatic one, sparked by a dying iPad.

Henry was at 3% battery and spiraling. You’d think the world was ending.

Trying to lighten the mood, we joked,
“You know… when we were kids, we didn’t even have iPads.”

He froze, stared at us like we were ancient, and hit us with:
“Wait… what did you do for fun in the olden days? You know… the 1900s?” Insert hysterical laughter.

Sir.
The 1900s??
That was my grandma’s era! I was born in the ’80s, thank you very much.
But to my seven-year-old? Apparently I’m one step removed from the dinosaur age.

We laughed, then started listing off the things we actually did for fun:

  • Riding bikes all day with neighborhood kids.
  • Setting up lemonade stands or mini garage sales.
  • Sprinkler runs and kiddie pools.
  • Making friendship bracelets.
  • Movie nights on the floor with popcorn.
  • Yes we had a Nintendo, then game boys, then Super Nintendos.
  • Helping neighbors with chores/service work or volunteering.
  • Being bored… and figuring it out.

He blinked at us with wide eyes and said:
“Can we do a week like that? A ’90s week?”

HECK. YES.

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Welcome to Henry’s Week of the ’90s

This week, we’re going full throwback—no iPads, no YouTube, no constant screen battles.
Just old-school, homemade summer fun. The kind that doesn’t cost much, leaves you sun-kissed and sticky, and fills your cup in ways no app ever could. Ok, there might be SOME screen time – but it will be limited – to allow myself some sanity. HA just kidding. I’m thinking Reading Rainbow, Bill Nye, Fraggle Rock, kind of shows.

We’re keeping it simple.
Unplugged mornings, creative and calm afternoons, and the kind of childhood rhythm we remember—and miss.

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Our 90s-Inspired Activity Lineup:

  • Bike rides – So many bike rides, might be with training wheels. That’s the real 90s core memory.
  • Sprinkler runs & kiddie pool parties – Still the best way to survive Vegas heat.
  • 90s inspired crafts – Friendship bracelets & shrinky dinks, a right of passage in every 90s childhood.
  • Neighborhood water balloon and squirt gun fight – Because chaos, but the fun kind.
  • Good old games – like Uno, Phase10, Guess Who, Twister, Clue (my ultimate favorite)
  • Lemonade stand – 25¢, retro sign, 90s music, and a whole lot of charm.
  • Reading Rainbow & PBS-only screen time – Limited, and earned.
  • Movie nights – On the floor. With pillows. Pajamas required. Heeeey, you guys!! Goonies Never Say Die! Being the 40th anniversary, this will be a must.
  • Oregon Trail? I mean… we wish. But we’re keeping it realistic. We might bust out the old school Nintendo NES for some Track, or Mario.

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Why We’re Doing This:

Because sometimes, the best memories come from the simplest things.
Because our kids need boredom. They need imagination.
They need sidewalk chalk, hose spray, and the freedom to figure it out.

And maybe, just maybe, we do too.

This week, we’re slowing down.
Unplugging.
Getting outside.
And remembering what it felt like to grow up before the algorithms.

If you’re feeling it too, join us.
The iPad will still be there next week.
But this magic?
This window?
It’s worth showing up for.

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Want to try it too? Grab the free digital/social graphics (scroll up):

  • Weekly Schedule
  • “What To Do If You’re Bored” Poster
  • Lemonade Stand Sign

Don’t forget to tag us in your posts using #RaisedonConfetti or tagging one of our NEW social media accounts!

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Day One: Sprinklers, Popsicles & a Superhero Named Optimus

Today, we kicked off Week of the ’90s with sunshine (sadly triple digits is here to stay), splashes, and a surprise dose of dress-up.

Henry asked what kind of costumes I wore as a kid—my answer? Princess, ballerina… the usual 90s classics.
He considered that for a moment and confidently declared he would be Optimus Prime, and Cici? She’d be his superhero sidekick.

And just like that, the morning transformed.
Between breakfast and bedtime, he was either soaking wet from the sprinkler or fully in character as the neighborhood’s tiniest Transformer.

We had water balloons, bubbles, and a pineapple arch sprinkler that lasted a glorious 20 minutes (RIP 🍍😂). Rocket joined the chaos with some full-speed zoomies, and Cici giggled through it all.

It was hot, it was messy, and it was perfectly 90s.
Can’t wait for tomorrow. This week is already magic.

Check back this weekend for a full recap!

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