The fact that I can do all of this makes it extremely difficult to get out of bed in the morning as I check all of these things before I start my day. Unfortunately, however, it doesn't end there. No, I actually had to make an effort this week to only check my phone once an hour. Isn't that sad?
This doesn't exactly fit the mold of a tree-hugging environmentalist, does it. We're supposed to be completely disconnected from the technological world. But, as I mentioned before, I'm not your normal hippie. I own a TV and even have cable. The internet is my friend but perhaps being too connected isn't so eco-friendly (because of all the power it takes to charge all of these devices). I think it's time for a change.
I've seen so many news articles about how our kids are being neglected by parents being on their smart phone or laptops that I started taking a look at myself, and it ain't pretty.
Here's the steps I've taken so far:
- Only get on my laptop while the kids are at school or are in bed.
- Only watch TV if the kids are watching or after they've gone to bed.
- I even try to not listen to news radio when my daughter's in the car so I can give her my undivided attention.
- And my phone, well, I'm trying to keep it out of reach in order not to be tempted to look at it.
So far the strategy is working. I keep the phone ringer on super-high so I can hear it ring anywhere in the house. I don't keep the laptop within reach when my daughter is at home. The problem is when I'm out and about. I have the phone in my hand usually if I'm grocery shopping and old habits die hard. Even my daughter is addicted to the phone as I use it to keep her occupied at doctor's appointments or soccer games (that she's watching, not playing in. Now THAT would be addicted!).
So this is my goal:
- To be less dependent on that darn 3x5 device that sucks up my mind once I pick it up.
- Treat every silent moment to build my patience, not as an opportunity to see which basketball team won the NCAA game that day nor to email a friend.
I agree. It's difficult. My groom staged a little intervention with me in hopes of setting me straight via proper technology use. I'm a better mom and wife for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting there, Sue! I feel much less like a neglectful parent when I've put my phone down and actually listen to them instead of just nodding saying "that's nice". I can't let them thing that they're not important to me.
ReplyDeleteGlad the intervention worked for you! :)
Gasp! You have cable? You mean you don't knit your on clothes out of dryer lint? Oh that is homeschooler moms. :) Great post. I agree ... it's tough but just "being aware" is the first step! Way to go mom!!
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