I have a love-hate relationship with my phone. On one hand, it’s fantastic—I can instantly get answers to my questions, capture precious moments of my kids, and stay connected with family and friends no matter where I am. On the other hand, I find it frustrating. I often don’t think for myself anymore because I can just ask my phone. When I capture a photo of my kids, my first instinct is to share it on social media, which pulls me away from being present with them. Holding my phone makes me feel like I should constantly be working, and the pressure of being reachable anytime can be overwhelming.
This struggle is something many of us face daily. I see it everywhere—at playgrounds, in cars, while shopping, and even during family gatherings. While most of us might feel a little tug in our hearts reminding us that face-to-face conversations are more meaningful than scrolling through social media, I’ve noticed that some have completely given in to the allure of their screens, becoming like zombies lost in the glow of their devices.
Celebrating My Daughter’s Birthday
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. We quickly packed our things and headed to a hotel before she changed her mind. As we made our way to the lovely heated outdoor pool, I realized I had left my phone in the room. Initially, I felt a wave of anxiety, but I convinced myself I would take pictures later.
As I sat by the pool, I noticed something shocking: every parent around me was glued to their phone screens. Not just the ones on the sidelines; even those lounging in the hot tub were fixated on their devices. It struck me that if I had my phone, I would have joined them in that mindless state. While I often advocate for phone use, especially since I work from my device, seeing so many parents disengaged was alarming.
My children, however, were blissfully enjoying my undivided attention. They eagerly asked me to throw pool toys, and I realized how much they appreciate my presence. They’ve grown accustomed to seeing us distracted by our phones, often feeling like they are competing for our focus. I’m sharing this not to shame anyone but as a personal wake-up call. I refuse to be a smartphone zombie any longer.
Choosing Presence Over Distraction
Perhaps we should intentionally forget our phones sometimes. Remember, we used to navigate life just fine without Google or social media. Our kids are growing quickly, and soon they won’t want to play or engage with us as they do now.
Since that day at the pool, I’ve made a conscious effort to leave my phone behind during outings, whether it’s at the playground, a soccer game, or dining out. Admittedly, it’s not always easy, and I still find myself reaching for that shiny distraction. Yet, I’ve been experiencing more of life’s real moments—at least they feel authentic.
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Conclusion
In summary, I am choosing to be more present and engaged in my children’s lives. I want to experience real moments instead of being a zombie glued to my screen.