My data disconnect….
From the past few weeks I have been reading articles about how
our increasing dependence on the internet and a need for social presence is
creeping slowly and making a firm hold on our children’s growth. Living in the
21st century, I know how important it is to embrace this wonderful
technology which makes it so easy and hassle free to connect with the world. I
am more informed, more aware, abreast with the latest that happens in the
world, but also very distracted. I could not imagine myself being totally
disconnected or unaware but was in a constant struggle to strike a balance.
A couple of weeks back I tried this experiment which I want to
share with everyone. I disconnected my data connection and wifi as soon as my children came home till the time they went to bed! My smart phone was just a
phone then, at soccer practices, at swim lessons, at bus stops and at grocery
stores. I was always just a call away, but the important part was, I was away…
from distraction. Every time my child had to say something, I was right there,
looking at them and really listening to what they had to share. With my newest idea,
I wanted to be present in my children’s lives.
My newest experiment taught me an unexpected lesson….
I was now raising a child who will not grow up seeing his
parents texting or checking emails while driving and at red lights, who will
grow up knowing that family, friends and people with whom you are, at that
moment, matter the most, children that understood that a great swim stroke or a
soccer kick or the bear hug right after school was only for their own pleasure!
And one thing that makes me the happiest is the hope, when I think of my life
10 years down the line, when the phone will be in their hands and I will be the
one talking…. they will be looking right at me, with their eyes and ears all
for me J. Because I know, I have
these wonderful children who will follow their first and only constant teacher
the most!!
Share with me, how you strike a balance.... would love to hear
it and apply a few ideas!