It would not be an exaggeration to say that I am often glued to my phone throughout the day. Whether for my primary job, staying connected with loved ones, or pursuing freelance writing, this small device dominates my life.
I was oblivious to how much control my phone had over me until a pivotal moment occurred: my toddler, upset after a disagreement with his older sibling, approached me crying. In an attempt to comfort him, I delivered a rehearsed response without even looking up from my screen. “Mom, put that down and snuggle me!” my distressed three-year-old pleaded.
That moment hit me hard. I hastily set down my phone, picked him up, and offered a sincere apology. It became clear that I was often tied to unimportant distractions, and a wave of shame washed over me.
My husband was supportive when I announced my intention to take a break from my phone, social media, and the incessant urge to check notifications. For an entire week, I locked my phone in my car’s glove compartment while at home. There were no interruptions from buzzing texts or emails; I would use the device solely for essential calls.
I must admit, the first day was challenging. As dawn broke and my family began to stir, I felt a strange emptiness without my phone at hand. It was as though a void had opened up. I found myself anxiously searching for something to engage with. Surprisingly, this led to my children and I cuddling in bed, sharing stories, and even breaking the family record for the longest tickle fight.
Being physically present transformed my interactions with my kids. Instead of folding laundry or washing dishes, I chased after them, sharing outrageous tales from my childhood and practically begging them to help me bake cookies or draw colorful designs on our sidewalk with chalk. For once, I was the one driving them a bit crazy, rather than the other way around.
Through this experience, I became more aware of the instances when I truly needed my phone versus when I simply wanted to use it. For example, calling my husband for children’s Tylenol was a genuine need, while mindlessly scrolling through social media was merely a want. This realization allowed me to cut my data plan in half, saving us some much-needed funds.
By the end of the week, I recognized how much my children missed out on whenever I prioritized my phone over them. They deserve my full attention, respect, and presence. Until that week, I hadn’t been truly present in their lives.
While phones are not inherently bad, and scrolling through social media isn’t always a negative, I realized how my dependency on my device overshadowed my family time. It’s now about finding that balance between needs and wants. I am actively working towards mastering moderation in my phone usage.
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Summary
Balancing phone usage with family time is crucial for maintaining connections. By taking a break from screens, I discovered the importance of being fully present with my children. This journey highlighted the difference between needs and wants regarding phone use, fostering deeper family relationships.
Keyphrase: balancing phone usage with family time
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