Work-Life Balance for ParentsНамуна

Technology is an extraordinary thing that has greatly improved our efficiency and productivity. Cell phones, when used properly, are no exception. Cell phones are, however, also a small device that most of us spend way too much time on.

For Mother’s Day, my children’s preschool asked the kids what their mothers like to do. About four of the kids answered that their mothers like to be on their phones. Sad isn’t it? Even if we aren’t one of the four mothers, all of us parents could use the wake-up call to use our devices less.

Phillippians 4:4-9 is applicable here. So much of the content on social media and on our phones is not uplifting. It distracts and discourages. Certainly, social media and the news are important things to stay up-to-date on and are often necessary for our jobs. However, when we are at home with our children and spouses, the time our devices eat up from quality time isn’t necessary.

If you, like me, struggle with this, try giving your phone only 7 minutes of your time, then put it aside and do other things. Stopping something cold turkey isn’t easy, so by allowing it only 7 minutes, we establish a healthy routine that can become a healthy habit.

Another simple tip is to unfollow everyone with opinions on Facebook that are distracting or destructive. Since I have done this, my Facebook feed is less stressful and also more boring. I notice I spend a lot less time clicking on it and usually read on my Amazon Kindle instead.

Perhaps you could spend the 7 minutes reading the verse of the day, filling your thoughts with things that are good instead of things that are often petty or distressing. Then set your phone aside and enjoy the real-life around you. By giving our phones a time limit, we also limit them in our lives. By spending less time on my phone, and most particularly less time on social media, I feel more peace in my life and have a lot more time for my family.