You know that saying "Everything in moderation?" I like that saying. I think there are times when I need me-time and my kids need their own time to unwind. Everyone, no matter what age, needs time to de-compress to forget about school, work, chores and just chill out. Sometimes that includes video games, t.v., computer or the smart phone. Honestly, those viral "Dear Mom on the iPhone" blog posts get on my nerves. It's not up to me to judge any mom for taking time to herself because, as a mother and wife, I know that the vast majority of my time is spent helping others.
With that said, I want to be truly accessible to my kids without a piece of technology getting in between us. I value all of the special moments with my kids when we're playing in the ocean, wandering through the park with our feet in the creek, or talking together at the kitchen table. There are definitely times when the phone needs to be put away and the laptop needs to be shut down. End of story.
As we are thrust into a more tech-savvy world and more people are working from home, sometimes, it takes a conscious effort to ignore the beeps and vibrations coming from our pocket to truly appreciate the world, and the people, around us. No matter how difficult it can be to disconnect, but it must be done.
Tech TimeOut is a new initiative that wants to help us disconnect with technology a little more and reconnect with what really matters.
Building stronger bonds and communicating with our husband and kids is a good thing. So, when I was challenged to take a time out from my tech devices; for just one hour a day, I happily agreed. I went to a baseball game with my family, spent a day at the beach and enjoyed my family without distraction. My kids notice everything, so you can bet, they know when I'm fully paying attention or my mind is someplace else. Having a tech timeout gives me a chance to enjoy my friends and family without being interrupted, appreciating what I have and letting others know that they are my priority at that moment.
Do you find it easy to disconnect from technology or are you constantly finding yourself playing on your smart phone whenever you get the chance? Tech Timeout has some easy ideas for connecting with your family without technology.
I'm going to print off this list and see how many things I can do with my family before the new year while being completed disconnected from technology. Are you up for the challenge too? I want you to do the same and let me know on Facebook or Twitter how you're doing! What do you think?
Learn more at TechTimeout.com