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Family toolkit: Memories are Made here

Kids Unplugged is all about making epic memories!
We saddle up for a shoreline horse ride, then take the tiller and sail to hidden hotsprings, with Jai and his brothers.

Memories are Made Here | Kids Unplugged
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Let’s Ponder & Pātai Together

  • Play: Jai’s family spend lots of time outdoors sailing, riding horses and working together. Why do you think shared experiences often become our strongest memories?

     

  • Discover: Looking after horses and learning to sail both take patience, responsibility and practice. What are some responsibilities that you do or could do to grow in confidence?

     

  • Unplug: Jai says screens are never the highlight of his day. What are the best things that happen in your day & why do you love them?

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Activity Ideas

family memory jar

Place a jar somewhere visible in the house. Each family member can add notes to it about:

  • fun moments

  • favorite adventures

  • funny memories

  • things they’re grateful for
     

 

 

 

 

Read them together at the end of each month.

family skills day

Choose an age-appropriate skill to learn together. Ideas:

  • tying knots

  • basic sailing terms

  • map reading

  • outdoor cooking

  • basic first aid

  • compass skills

  • bird calls or plant identification
     

Talk about how practical skills help people feel capable and independent

sunset sketch

One evening, turn all devices off before sunset.
 

Sit quietly outdoors for 10–15 minutes.
 

Invite each person to sketch/paint/draw something they notice
 

After the sun sets, share and reflect on how slowing down changes the way we notice the world.

KU_EP03_On_horseback_Credit_Kylie_DellaBarca_Steel.jpg
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parent reflection

What kinds of experiences and traditions do we want our children to remember most about family life?

Jais reflections on screentime
Judah-pedia: The Memory Bank Effect | How Outdoor Adventure Builds Resilient Kids | Kids Unplugged
Sunset Horse Rides
Image by Milad Fakurian

explore further with whānau...

Play mode

  • Jai said “real life gives you good memories.” What are some of your favorite family memories?
     

  • “There’s always something to do” - what fun things could you do when you feel bored?
     

  • Jai was keen to give new activities a go - why is it important to try new experiences?

discover mode

  • Jai had a deep and caring connection with his pets. Explore why animals often help people feel calm and connected?
     

  • Think about what responsibilities come with caring for animals?
     

  • Together Jai and his Poppa taught themselves to sail. Consider how is teamwork important when doing challenging activities.

unplug mode

  • Discuss why outdoor adventures often feel different from screen-based entertainment?
     

  • What activities do you enjoy that make you forget screens altogether?

It’s just good for your soul, being outside.  You’re not just wasting your life on a phone.

 

Real life gives you good memories.

 

You don’t remember being on a phone as the highlight of your day.

 

- Jai Taft Robertson

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