screentime is a HOT topic in parenting, and to be honest, my hot take on that matter is that we should really be focusing equally on our own screen time as parents and how that affects our kids.

i am definitely not an expert on this topic, though I do want to do more reading and dig in to more studies (though I feel like most of us could determine it probably isn’t a good thing)

the biggest thing I was feeling conviction about was how much my son sees me on my devices (both phone and laptop), and how much of a disconnect that must be for him. of course, there are realities that I am definitely aware of, such as the fact that due to my job being 90% computer based, it is INEVITABLE that I will be in my computer in front of him. however, I feel like this was seeping into my time with him, and I just want to engage, and be a more present mom.

one thing I am trying to think about in this season is how can I engage in analog processes as much as possible. when I am busy doing a task, I want my son to be able to understand what I am doing as much as possible!

— for example: when I am doing the dishes, he knows I am busy and he can SEE why. but if I writing out a grocery list on my phone, all he knows is that I am writing out a grocery list. this is of course sublte, but I just feel like kids pick up on this way more than we think they do

by the start of the new year, I really want to have a grasp on my phone habits and boundaries. I want to be a more present mom, and model by example!

some things I have started working on:

— reading physical books again. reading is so imporant to me and something I believe we model and teach our kids. I LOVEEE my kindle, but I have switched any daytime reading to my physical books (usually my non-fiction ones) and then saving the kindle at night for when he isn’t watching

— printing out physical recipes to follow + including him in the process. we love our recipe book + toddler tower around here!

— writing out my grocery list by hand and bringing it with me to the store (90s mom style)

— taking photos on my digital camera / film camera

— establishing my own phone boundaries (like putting my phone away at night!)

some things I am working towards:

— I want to print more physical photo books for us to be able to look at photos all together

— set family time with no screens for all of us!