I cherish my smartphone. It answers any question I have in an instant, captures precious moments of my children, helps me squeeze in work whenever I can, and keeps me connected to family and friends no matter where I am.
Yet, I also despise it. I’m frustrated that I no longer think critically because I can just ask my phone for information. When I take photos of my kids, I’m often tempted to share them on social media rather than truly engage with them. My phone’s presence constantly nudges me to be productive, even when I should be enjoying the moment. I resent that anyone can reach me at any time, diverting my attention from truly living my life.
This battle is one I know many of us face. I see it everywhere: at playgrounds, in cars, while shopping, crossing streets, at the movies, and even during family gatherings. While most of us still feel a twinge of awareness that face-to-face conversations might matter more than a game of Words With Friends, some have completely given in to the allure of the screen, becoming mindless, smartphone zombies.
Recently, we celebrated our daughter’s 5th birthday. She requested a simple day at the pool with a Hello Kitty cake instead of a big party. Grateful to avoid the hassle of organizing a larger event, we quickly packed up and set off to a nearby hotel. However, as we reached the beautiful outdoor pool, I realized I had left my phone in the room. Initially anxious about missing photo opportunities, I decided to focus on enjoying the moment instead.
As I sat by the pool, I noticed something disturbing. Every single parent around me was glued to their phones. It wasn’t just those sitting at the poolside; even parents in the hot tub were hunched over their devices. The most alarming realization was that had I remembered my phone, I too would have been one of those distracted individuals.
I love my phone and have defended its usage, acknowledging that we all need to disconnect occasionally. But witnessing a group of parents completely absorbed by their screens felt unsettling. Meanwhile, my kids were blissfully enjoying themselves, perhaps confused by the level of attention I was giving them. “Throw the ball again, Mom!” they called out, and I was happy to oblige.
Since their births, our children have seen us drift in and out of their worlds as we check our phones. This pattern might seem normal to them, yet I don’t want this to be our reality. I’m not here to shame anyone or claim phone use is inherently bad. I write this as a wake-up call for myself: I refuse to be a smartphone zombie any longer.
Maybe we should all consider leaving our phones behind once in a while. After all, we have cameras, and we managed just fine before Google could tell us the nearest coffee shop, right? Conversations can wait, games can wait, and even the latest celebrity gossip can wait.
But my children? They’re growing up fast, and soon they won’t be asking me to throw toys in the pool or marvel at their cannonballs. Since that day, I’ve made a conscious effort to leave my phone behind during playground visits, soccer games, and family meals. Forgetting my phone hasn’t magically transformed life into a fairytale, as we still face squabbles and frustrations. But I’ve started to experience more authentic moments, and that’s what truly matters.
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In summary, let’s strive to be more present in our children’s lives and less reliant on our screens. Our kids deserve our attention, and life is too precious to spend it half-watching.
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