If your family is anything like mine, you run in a million different directions all week long. By consciously creating device-free zones that make sense to your family, you can take advantage of routine opportunities to connect with each other.
Here are a few times/spaces to consider powering down or silencing distracting devices:
Dinner time – Studies find that families who eat dinner together have lower rates of substance abuse, depression and teen pregnancy. Kids who regularly eat dinner with their family are also more likely to have higher self-esteem and better grades. But that time to check in with your family is all for naught if everyone is engaged in his or her own electronic device.
Bedtime – According to a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, kids who keep their smartphones or other electronic devices in their rooms at night are more sleep deprived. Have your kids turn their phones and electronic devices over to you at night to be plugged into the main charger station in your home.
In the car – Turn your car into a no-phone zone. The car is a great opportunity to talk to kids even before they can really carry on a conversation. Point out the animals in the fields, the cars, the weather, the birds. Talk about where you are going and what they will do and see. They are paying attention to you talking to them, soaking in the words and making sense of the world around them.
If you are distracted by incoming texts, turn the phone to airplane mode or do not disturb. You’ll have a much more credible voice when you start warning your future teen driver about texting and driving. Plus without other distractions, kids of all ages are more likely to talk about whatever is on their mind. With you looking at the road and not directly at them, important conversations can feel less intense.
Is texting and driving a tough challenge for you to overcome? Check out this 35-minute video documentary, “From One Second to the Next,” directed by Warner Herzog. This eye-opening documentary features the stories of accident victims and drivers who were texting while driving.
Do you have no phone zones in your home? If so, when and where do you ban electronics? How does it benefit your family?
Although almost 15 & 13 my kids do not yet have phones. But they still have other devices so on vacation with no wi-fi it was a great break. We have none in all the places you mention. Frankly it’s my hubby who needs moe guidance as he’s addicted to his iPad 🙂
I can relate, Sue. I’m not sure my hubs can go to a place without wifi! 😉