Let’s be real—this happens more often than I care to admit. I find myself glued to my phone, scrolling through social media, while my toddler tugs at my shirt, eager for my attention. It’s frustrating for both of us. He doesn’t quite get why I need to scroll through my Twitter feed (hello, FOMO), and I reluctantly get up, already counting down the minutes until I can return to my screen.
Recently, I’ve started to question why this has become the norm in our digital world. I seem to be treating social media like a job, but even a job shouldn’t take precedence over spending time with my child. I often reminisce about my own childhood, when I would watch my dad strumming his guitar while my sister and I played. Back then, our parents lived in the moment, free from the distractions that consume our lives today.
I remember my early experiences with technology in the ’90s. We had one of those clunky computers, and I can vividly recall a moment when I asked my mom for some tuna while she was studying for nursing school. At the time, I was annoyed that she didn’t immediately respond, but now I realize she was working hard for our family. What if, instead, she was just scrolling through Instagram? That’s the reality our kids will face.
Our phones have become central to our lives, and I’m as guilty as anyone. Each moment of free time is spent checking emails or social media, and it feels like an addiction. Sure, there are benefits—like crowdfunding for causes, sharing news quickly, and reconnecting with old friends. However, the major downside is that we’re missing out on real moments with our families. Even when we’re present, we’re often too busy capturing the moment for social media instead of truly engaging with our children.
I see it everywhere: toddlers in restaurants glued to iPads or phones. I’ll admit, I’ve resorted to using my phone to calm my son when he’s fussy. But I have no plans to give him his own device anytime soon. He’s a child, and he should be exploring, playing, and enjoying life, not watching someone else do it on a screen.
I want to shield my son from the perils of social media until he’s much older. Studies have linked extensive social media use in children to unrealistic comparisons, anxiety, and depression, as well as physical issues like poor vision and neck problems. Despite these risks, many parents still allow their children to be exposed to it.
I understand that life is hectic—we need to cook, clean, and tackle daily chores. Sometimes, we depend on screens to keep our kids occupied while we get things done. It’s a sad reality, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
I wish I could say I’m the perfect parent who never turns on the TV, but that’s not the case. My son watches television every day, and there are weekends when we hardly step outside. I’m far from perfect, but I believe we can strive for a balance. Digital media can be beneficial in moderation, but we should prioritize outdoor playtime and limit screen exposure.
Instead of relying on screens, I’ve found that playing music at home is a great alternative. My son loves to dance, and music has been linked to improved language development. It’s a fun way to engage with him without the distractions that come with TV.
So let’s save the social media browsing for after the kids are in bed. Our time with them is fleeting, and they deserve our full attention. These early years are precious, and I don’t want my child’s enduring memory of me to be someone glued to their phone. Moving forward, I’m committed to being more present with my son. After all, he’s much more interesting than anything on my screen!
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Summary
This article discusses the challenges of being a distracted parent in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of being present with children. It reflects on personal experiences with technology and offers suggestions for balancing screen time with quality family moments.