As a family that doesn’t spend much time in front of the television, I mistakenly believed that we had a healthy balance with our screen time. However, after diligently tracking when and how often we used our devices, it became clear that we needed to rethink our approach. Here are some observations that prompted this realization:
-
Chargers at the Dinner Table
In our kitchen, the only available outlet happens to be right next to the dining table. This has resulted in phones and tablets being charged while we eat, leading to distractions like notifications that disrupt family conversations. -
Video Calls with Grandparents
Engaging the kids during Skype calls with their grandparents can be a struggle, especially when food is involved. While our relatives love seeing the kids, these calls often turn into chaotic experiences filled with technical difficulties, making family dinners less enjoyable. -
Pinterest Pitfalls
My daughters love exploring creative ideas on Pinterest, but their browsing sometimes leads them to inappropriate content. A mermaid costume search once took a surprising turn, and thankfully, they were quick to shut the iPad off after encountering an unexpected image. -
The YouTube Distraction
To encourage piano practice, my husband and I thought it would be clever to let the kids watch piano tutorials. Unfortunately, what started as a musical session quickly devolved into a dance party, completely unrelated to their lessons. -
“Just Checking” vs. “Just Addicted”
During family road trips, I was often the first to pull out my phone “just to check” notifications, which led to me ignoring my family. I realized that this habit not only distracted me but also set a poor example for my children regarding screen usage. -
Social Media Surprises
I shared an Instagram video of a classmate hitting a home run, which fascinated my daughter. However, a quick scroll down my feed revealed less appropriate content featuring my young cousins on vacation, which wasn’t quite what I intended to show her. -
Bedtime Chaos
The hour before bedtime is usually chaotic, and during these moments of exhaustion, it’s tempting to hand over a device to keep the kids occupied. However, I’ve realized that this is the worst time to engage with screens, as it detracts from quality family interactions. -
Storage Issues
Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to watch a favorite show only to be met with a “not enough memory” error due to a child’s excessive selfie-taking with a silly app. -
Artistic Disappointments
When my daughter asked for help drawing a horse, I naively handed her my phone to search for tutorials. The disparity between her drawing and the professional examples led her to tears, teaching both of us a valuable lesson about creativity and self-acceptance.
This year, my aim is to establish healthier digital habits within our family while fostering stronger connections with one another. We’ve taken measures like covering the kitchen outlet, limiting Skype calls during meals, and setting specific times for device usage. Progress is slow, but we are optimistic about the improvements to come.
For more insights on healthy mobile habits, check out this guide or explore options for at-home insemination as well as resources on IVF.