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September 3, 2019

How To Use Technology to Encourage Family Time

by Katie Wallace

Whether we are at home or on an RV trip with our family to another camping destination, chances are we’re using a good deal of electronics and technology everywhere we go. All that tech needs a good amount of reliable power to keep the fun experiences going. New Duracell Optimum batteries are a great solution for devices that run on AA or AAA batteries.

This story was produced in partnership with Duracell. All opinions are mine alone. #DuracellOptimumBrandPartner

Technology today can be a blessing and a challenge. We love the convenience of battery powered tools such as flashlights and GPS devices. We also recognize the need to limit technology, such as in the case of kids’ screen time. By setting limits and using technology strategically, we can easily enjoy the benefits and even use technology to encourage family time.

Play video games together as a family

Play video games together as a family

Everyone in our family loves playing video games, whether individually or together. Video games are a great activity for us to enjoy some friendly competition in a setting that’s relaxing and convenient. Siblings can compete against each other or join forces to challenge dad. A video game night is a great way to end a busy week and spend some family time together.

Our four video game controllers combined use quite a bit of battery power. It’s important to use long-lasting batteries, so we are less likely to run out of juice in the middle of a race.

The new Duracell Optimum batteries come in AA and AAA sizes. Duracell Optimum AA batteries are a reliable power source which can deliver extra life* in some devices or extra power* in other devices, vs. Coppertop AA/AAA.

Efficiently power remote control toys

Efficiently power remote control toys

Our kids also enjoy toys that allow them to interact with their environment in new ways. Kids love driving a remote controlled vehicle because each push or pull of the controls makes the vehicle move or turn. To master the toy, kids must learn how to use the unique controls to effectively navigate obstacles. A remote control vehicle creates a fun series of on-going experiments and observations about “what happens when I do this?” If there’s only one toy, kids can practice sharing and enjoying the activity together, both driving and watching.

Duracell Optimum batteries in store display
*Delivers extra life or extra power, vs. Coppertop AA/AAA in a wide range of devices.

Duracell is the #1 trusted battery brand, and Duracell Optimum batteries are a great choice for powering remote-control toys. You can find these batteries at your local Albertsons or Safeway to conveniently purchase alongside your other summer family essentials.

Efficiently power remote control toys Duracell Optimum batteries
*Delivers extra life or extra power, vs. Coppertop AA/AAA in a wide range of devices.

Equip kids with gear for outdoor adventures

Finally, when we are not enjoying family life at home, we are often looking forward to our next outdoor expedition. As avid RVers and family adventurers, we know it’s very important to bring along essentials such as water, a reliable flashlight and good shoes. Sometimes an outdoor hike or float down the river takes longer than expected. We like to be prepared with pocket-sized flashlights. Tools like our handheld GPS also need to be reliable so that it lasts all day long.

Duracell Optimum batteries for family camping adventures *Delivers extra life or extra power, vs. Coppertop AA/AAA in a wide range of devices.

We recently took our family to Glacier National Park and stayed in our RV toy hauler for several days. We enjoyed hiking during the day and seeing the beautiful stars overhead in the wide Montana sky. Although we’re technically “glamping”, many of the places we typically camp don’t have water or electrical hook-ups. Use of our laptops and charging devices is limited, so we rely on our stash of batteries to keep our camping essentials going such as flashlights, lanterns and GPS devices.

RV camping near Glacier in Montana

Duracell Optimum batteries effectively power flashlights on family camping trips
*Delivers extra life or extra power, vs. Coppertop AA/AAA in a wide range of devices.

A reliable battery brand is important for powering up your family’s activities at home or on the road. The new Duracell Optimum batteries are great to have on hand for family game night, your electronic toys, and your brightest flashlight. After all, your technology is only as reliable as its power source.

Family kayaking on the Saint. Joe river near St. Maries Idaho

Where will your family adventures lead you?

Katie Wallace
Katie Wallace

Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 3 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, taking photos and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!

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Michelle J Cantu
Michelle J Cantu
4 years ago

I legit just had a conversation with my husband on buying better batteries. We literally shake batteries in our remote trying to give them more life. It’s comical, but how necessary they are for everything we use.

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Yeah Lifestyle
Yeah Lifestyle
4 years ago

There are some great ways in which you can spend time with the family and still use gadgets! We swear by Duracell Optimum batteries as well as we find it is longer lasting, we tend to use it for video games which my kids play with my husband on the… Read more »

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Catherine
Catherine
4 years ago

Great way to turn make technology work for the family and find ways to use it to bring everyone closer. It’s tough today in this digital age but you’ve shared great tips!

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Arya
Arya
4 years ago

I truly believe in what you are sharing. Technology can be an amazing tool to educate our kids.

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Amy K
Amy K
4 years ago

I can still remember the days during my childhood where I never experienced technology. It was so happy back then. Sometimes unplugging is a great idea to make quality time with your family.

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Jasemine Denise
Jasemine Denise
4 years ago

This is the first time in a long time that I read an article that wasn’t encouraging people to unplug with their children. I love, love, love this. Thanks for sharing and encouraging parents to take advantage of the new age!

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Ashley Rollins
Ashley Rollins
4 years ago

As a kid, I grew up in the country. We would play Ghosts in the Graveyard all the time with flashlights. It was one of my favorite memories!

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Stacie
Stacie
4 years ago

We love to play video games together. It’s so much fun because my husband and I grew up with those games, too. It’s a great way to bond.

Reply
Kumamonjeng
Kumamonjeng
4 years ago

I love your ideas here and video games can be fun too if we play it together with the kids, great bonding activities.

Reply

Hello

Hi I'm Katie! Create. Play. Travel. is my family lifestyle blog based in the Pacific Northwest. Our family homeschools, goes on adventures, and even travels internationally with our three kids. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas.

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Take the kids! 🍁 There’s so many things to ap Take the kids! 🍁 There’s so many things to appreciate about exploring with kids. Yes, we have to travel slower. But once we started, I want to show them everything. Next trip, we’re bringing a baby. 😉😊 #createplaytravelBackstory: we quit our tech careers, moved to a small town and learned how to be entrepreneurs. Now we Airbnb our home and began traveling internationally with our 3 kids. I’m not really sure where this path we’re on leads, but God knows. 🙂
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