Apple Absorption

We are a tech-using, tech-absorbing family. Aside from my husband’s quick stint with an Android tablet (we still have it, but it rarely gets used), we are all about Apple products.

Here’s a peek into what my hubby and son were doing as I watched the Oscars…

Dad is on his iPhone while Miggz is on my iPad. I try not to get him so used to handling the iPad. If I do let him, it’s usually when I read him a story (there are some great–and FREE–kid-friendly stories on the iBooks app). A few of our mother-son bonding moments have been over an iBook (though I prefer–and am glad he does too–his traditional board books over the electronic ones).

In this instance, Dad gave him the iPad to watch some cartoons on YouTube.

How often do you let your kids use technology at home?

This is the Universe Telling Me: Put Down My Phone

I came across two mom blog sites today that essentially have the same message: BE MORE ATTENTIVE.

In being a Mom. In being a Wife/Sister/Daughter/Friend.

In being ALIVE.

Not too long ago, my two-year-old son called me out at bedtime…these being his exact words:

“Mommey, turn the phone OFF.” (Emphasis his.)

Amused, because I just HAD TO update my Facebook status about this right at that moment (which I did), my son adds…

“Mommey, GIVE ME the phone.” (Emphasis his again.)

I found it funny and laughed it off at that time. Even my family and friends on Facebook found it amusing.

But at the same time, I could not help but feel a tinge of guilt as well.

Those are the words that came out of a boy’s mouth–a boy, who, from the moment he was born, shared his parents’ attention with the iPhone, the computer logged on to Facebook–playing Farmville or some other game–or viewing countless YouTube videos, the video game console that is played until the wee hours of the morning, and other smart hand-held devices that exist in the home…all of these taking away from quality time we could have spent pouring over him, and him alone, creating many, many more moments he’ll remember once he’s grown.

Don’t get me wrong…we do create those moments of undivided attention. It’s just not as easy or effortless. It’s a constantly connected world we live in. And our children are slowly but surely being immersed in all these technology. There’s nothing wrong with using them…it’s finding those moments to TUNE OUT so you can TUNE IN to your child that are hard.

I think the only way to do it, is really, to TURN. IT. OFF.

Not just for a few minutes. Not even just for an hour.

Try to disconnect yourself from your TV/phone/other mobile device for a really long and dedicated amount of time (at least two hours) and connect–really connect–yourself. To your child. Your husband. Your family.

Bond. Snuggle. Cuddle. Talk.

Make paintings. Play a game. Sing a song. Take a walk.

The things you can do to really put yourself out there and be totally Hands Free and Awesomely Awake, especially for your kid, are really moments to be cherished (both by you and those you love).

Put the phone down.

Give it a try.

You’ll see.

"Mommey, turn the phone OFF."