Let’s be honest: saying I’m glued to my phone all day isn’t far from the truth. It’s my go-to for work, a way to stay connected with friends and family, and a tool for my side gig as a writer.
I didn’t realize just how much I was letting my phone control my life, even with the 15+ hours a day I was spending with that little glass and plastic device in hand. The eye-opening moment came when my youngest, Sammy, came to me in tears after his sister had upset him. Instead of giving him the attention he needed, I tried to offer comfort without even looking up.
“Mom, can you please put that down and give me a hug!” my sobbing 3-year-old insisted.
That hit me hard. In that instant, I put my phone down, scooped him up, and apologized. It dawned on me that I was often focused on the wrong things, and I felt a wave of guilt wash over me.
My husband was supportive when I decided to take a week off from my phone, social media, and the incessant notifications from emails and work chats. I locked my phone in the glove box while at home. No more buzzing, no more mindless scrolling. I only used it for essential phone calls.
To be frank, the first day was tough. As the sun rose and my house stirred to life, I felt odd not sitting at my desk, sipping tea, and checking for updates. It felt like a void. My hands fidgeted, and I found myself looking for distractions. But then, something magical happened—I ended up back in bed with my kids, reading stories and engaging in an epic tickle fight.
With my phone out of the picture, my kids were all around me, and I was fully present. Instead of just doing chores, I chased them around, shared silly stories from my past, and even got them involved in baking cookies and chalking the driveway with colorful designs and made-up words. For once, I was the one driving them crazy instead of the other way around!
Through this experience, I recognized that while I do have genuine needs for my phone, like calling my husband to pick up children’s medicine, most of my phone use was simply a want—like scrolling through social media. Plus, I managed to cut down my data plan expenses significantly, which was a nice bonus!
By the end of the week, it became clear to me how often I had overlooked my children while focused on my device. They deserve my respect and attention, not just my physical presence. I realized they need to see me listening with my eyes and heart fully engaged in their world.
Phones aren’t inherently bad, and I don’t judge any parent who takes a moment to scroll through their feeds; I’ve been there myself. However, for me—and more critically, for my children—my phone had become a distraction that kept me from what truly matters: family connection. It’s all about finding the right balance between needs and wants, and I’m determined to master this act of moderation.
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In summary, it’s crucial to recognize when our devices are taking priority over family time. By stepping back and reassessing our usage, we can cultivate more meaningful connections with those we love.
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