Editor’s Note: This article reflects the author’s personal views.
I find myself in this familiar situation more often than I’d like to admit. There I am, scrolling through social media on my phone while my toddler, Max, tugs at my sleeve, urging me to join him in his latest adventure. Frustration bubbles up in me because, to him, my Twitter feed doesn’t seem as significant as his need for attention (I suffer from a major case of FOMO). I eventually muster the will to get up, but all I can think about is when I can sneak back to my screen.
Recently, I’ve come to understand that this shouldn’t be my default behavior, even in our “digital age.” It feels as though I’m treating social media as a job—yet no job should ever eclipse the needs of a child. Reflecting on my own childhood brings back memories of my dad strumming his guitar in the living room while my siblings and I played nearby. Back then, parents were more present and less distracted than we are today.
Even during the ’90s, I got a glimpse of what our current digital landscape would be like. We were among the first families to own a clunky computer, and I remember approaching my mom as she typed away while juggling nursing school. I asked her for some tuna, and she responded with, “Just a minute.” After waiting impatiently, I asked again, only to hear her tell me to hold on. As a child, I couldn’t fathom what could possibly be more important than fulfilling my request. Now, I realize she was working on her education; imagine if it had just been her scrolling through her Instagram feed instead? That’s the world our kids are growing up in.
Our smartphones have infiltrated our lives, and I’m just as guilty as anyone else. Every spare moment, I’m glued to my phone—checking emails, social media, you name it. It’s practically an addiction.
While there are undeniable benefits to technology, such as crowdfunding for vital causes and staying connected with old friends, the downside is considerable: we end up spending less quality time with our families. Even when we are present, we often feel the need to document every moment for our profiles. And sadly, we’re inadvertently dragging our kids into this vortex, too.
It’s common to see toddlers in restaurants glued to iPads or smartphones. I admit, when Max gets fussy, I sometimes resort to playing a YouTube video to calm him down. However, I have no plans to give him his own device until he’s much older. He’s a child; he should be outside playing, not watching someone else have fun on a screen.
I’m not ready for Max to experience social media until he’s much older. Extensive exposure can lead to unrealistic comparisons and has been linked to anxiety and depression. Studies show that excessive screen time can contribute to poor eyesight, neck and spine issues, insomnia, and hindered development in kids. Despite these risks, many parents still take the plunge.
I understand the need to juggle household chores like cooking and cleaning; sometimes, a TV show is a handy distraction while we tackle our to-do lists. It’s frustrating, but it’s the reality we face. However, I believe we can strive for a better balance.
Digital media can be beneficial in moderation, so why not aim to take your child outside to play at least once a day? Delay smartphone use until your child is involved in after-school activities and you require that extra layer of security. Instead of defaulting to YouTube at restaurants, try engaging your little one with crayons and a coloring page first. I’ve found that playing music at home is a fantastic alternative to TV; Max loves to dance to every genre, and research suggests that music can enhance language development without distracting from play.
So let’s save the social media scrolling for after the kids are asleep. Our time with them is fleeting, and they deserve the best of us. I don’t want Max’s memories of me to be clouded by my phone. From now on, I’m committed to focusing more on him and less on my device. After all, he’s way more fascinating!
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Summary:
In today’s digital world, parents often find themselves distracted by their phones and social media, impacting their ability to engage with their children. This article reflects on how technology can easily become an addiction, leading to less quality time with family. To combat this, parents are encouraged to seek balance by prioritizing outdoor play and limiting screen time for their kids. Ultimately, fostering meaningful connections with children should take precedence over digital distractions.
Keyphrase: distracted parenting in the digital age
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