Mum’s genius parenting hack to stop kids spending all day online revealed after they refused to come outside

A MUM devised a brilliant way to stop her kids spending all day online after they refused to go outside.

Lucy Brazier had planned to go with her two kids Tiana, 14, and Tristan, 11, for a day out at Tenby’s Manor Wildlife Park in Pembrokeshire, along with her fiancé Mike Newman, 40.

But her children had other ideas and said they preferred to stay indoors on their phones than have fun outside.

Lucy, though, got the better of them and disconnected the wifi, before bringing the Skybox out with her on the intended day trip, leaving the kids behind without the internet.

She and her fiancé then spent around three and a half hours having a great time with the modem, seeing the zoo animals, going rock climbing as well as indoor play and having fun on the slides.

The mum, who runs My E-motion, a children’s wellbeing company, said: "It was childish on our part but immensely satisfying, to be honest. We had a lovely afternoon and a right laugh in taking the pictures and videos".

"What was a bonus was when we got home the kids were obviously desperate to get their precious wifi back and had actually started their chores.

“And they carried on until they had finished them all with very little backchat. Result. We actually saved money as the wifi modem didn't ask for snacks every 20 minutes".

She added: "I was about to pick them up from their dad's for the trip out but they were refusing to come. They have been too focused on their phones as it had been an issue while they were on holiday in Lanzarote.

“So we decided to teach them a lesson".

"We did get a few parents asking what we were doing. But when we told them it was always met with laughter.

“Someone said it was genius parenting. I obviously missed the kids all afternoon as I know they would have enjoyed themselves if they had come as well as having much-needed fresh air, exercise, and vitamin D. But I think the point was made".

Later on, Lucy shared photos and videos of the modem’s big day out on her Facebook page, along with the caption: "The kids CBA to do anything today – despite the sun shining & it being a beautiful day so we took the WiFi modem for a day out instead.

"Totally childish of us I know but very satisfying & they did all their chores to get it back so result #parentingtips #parentinghacks #discipline #parentsofinstagram #teenagersthesedays #modemsdayout #nowifi".

Hundreds of other parents praised her harsh yet hilarious methods.

One person joked: "It’s nice to see the router being treated to a day out for a change. They do so much for us, it’s nice to give back", while another posted, "This is brilliant. Totally hilarious! Made me chuckle. Hope the Sky wifi had a great day out!"

Not everyone agreed though, as one commentator wrote: "What is with parents punishing kids for wanting to have a recharge day?".

Inspired by the reactions, Lucy is now thinking of starting an online movement to help teens who have become overly-reliant on technology.

Lucy said: "Other parents should upload themselves taking their WIFI modem on days out to show the lazy, technology addicted kids what they are missing! Our children need to get out more like we did when we were kids!"

"I was hardly ever home when I was a child. "I was always out having adventures with friends and the sedentary, gaming addiction lifestyle is so damaging for our future generation's health and wellbeing!"