Once upon a time I decided I needed a smart phone. I mean talking on the phone and texting weren’t enough, right? I needed to be able to check my email accounts, update my facebook status, search the world wide web, you name it. Pretty much do anything I would normally do on my computer, I needed to do on my phone. Everybody else was doing it! I didn’t want to miss out. And that’s how it began.
My thinking when I got my smart phone was that it would make my life so much easier. With all of the juggling I had to do with my work, household, and family, it would surely give me just the freedom I needed to manage all of those things on the go. It seemed like a no brainer to me.
Well, I was wrong. Since I got my smart phone, I find myself checking my inbox on my phone while I’m at my son’s soccer game instead of watching his big play. When we’re at the park, I’m posting status updates on facebook, rather than pushing my daughter on the swing. When I could be talking with my kids, I’m replying to a not at all urgent email. What’s happened to me? This isn’t freedom, that’s for sure. It’s more like an albatross around my neck!
We all know that the first step in recovery is admitting you’ve got a problem. Well, I’ve got one. It’s called Mommy’s Distracted Disorder, otherwise known as I’m Addicted To My Smart Phone. And you know what? That’s not the Mommy I want to be, and it’s not the role model for my children that I want to be either.
So, starting today I’ve stopped checking email and facebook and the internet on my phone. That’s right, only phone calls and text messages for me until I can be trusted to handle more. There’s plenty of time to check emails and status updates when I’m at the computer. Just because the technology exists for me to do those things when I’m at the park with my kids doesn’t mean I have to. Care to join me? I’m going to need all the support I can get!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can become less distracted and more focused in your parenting, join the Focused Moms Challenge.
Michelle Blake says
Kuddos to you. (: I’ve found myself in your shoes too. It has been an addiction for me as well. Going to be more mindful when I go for my phone to pay attention to my life around me. As I type this from my iPhone.. my little one is in the bed. (;
Polly says
Well, at least he’s in the bed while you are on your iphone! LOL!
Sarita Edgerton says
so true so true. My hubby won’t allow us to have internet on our phones so I just have a plain ol phone. Probably a good thing!
Polly says
Sometimes I feel like trading mine in for one that just talks and texts! You’re probably better off without one! Thanks for visiting.
Jacki says
This is exactly why I have avoided adding internet access to my plan. I get distracted enough by life that I don’t need tweets interrupting the limited time I have with my family. But oh, it is so tempting.
Polly says
Sounds like you’ve got the right idea (and probably saving some money too!). But you’re right, it’s so tempting. At least you won’t have to go through detox like me! LOL!
Caren with a "C" says
So true! We need to find balance in everything. I stopped playing a game on my phone when we were at my daughters’ gymnastics because like you, I was paying more attention to a mindless game, then the reality infront of me. I’ll take your challenge and this week I’m going to make a conscious effort to not be distracted by the apps on my phone! Thanks for the reminder!
Polly says
Glad you’re joining me on my challenge! I’ve only been at it for a few days, and it has been amazing to me how much more alert I am to what’s going on around me. Good luck and keep me posted on how it works at your house!
Sandra says
Joining you from the Blog 31 Day Challenge. Like the question! I think many people struggle with it. Just for the record my kids are adults so that’s not relavant. If I ever have grands I know I won’t play technology when I get to be with them! But now, it’s great fun for me. If I’m out grabbing a bite of lunch alone I always have either a book…or my “phone”. I love it! I never even wanted one at all but gave in to DH. If I were in your shoes, Iknow I would agree and unplug occasionally but I’m so glad, at my stage, that I am all over it!
Great post.
Sandra
“Inspiraion To Lead Healthier And Wealthier Lives”
http://www.reallifeinaminute.blogspot.com
Polly says
Thanks for your comment Sandra! I agree with you about smart phones being so much fun! Unfortunately for me, my fun was impacting my parenting skills (for the worse!). I am enjoying my time unplugged right now, but do plan on going back to internet on my phone at some point. But I think my “break” will help me put in perspective when I should and shouldn’t be looking at my phone!