It’s no secret that many of us spend time too much time scrolling when we could be doing almost anything else; that “anything else” could be time better spent with our kids. A report from Girl Scouts of the USA states that 64 percent of girls ages eight to ten say they have trouble getting a parent’s attention because that adult is focused on their phone. In our tech-focused society, this is a difficult statistic to come to terms with. From that work project with a looming deadline to keeping up with the family group chat or placing an order for grocery delivery, staring at screens is often a non-negotiable for today’s parents.
It takes effort to break away from addictive phone habits and embrace a “kids first” approach to your family time, but we promise it's worth it. Here are a few things you can do to help make the change:
Face-to-Face Talk
Sit down with your family and discuss the time you all spend on your phones. Do your kids ever feel overlooked or ignored when you’re on your phone? Similarly, do you ever wish they’d put down their phones and spend time catching up with you? Be honest about your own feelings and try not to react defensively when they share their opinions and experiences. The goal is to connect more as a family, and to do that, you need to hear each other out first.
Be Realistic, Not Reactionary
Spend a day or two logging how much time you spend on your phone, then aim to cut that time down little by little over the next few weeks. You might set timers to limit phone calls or even use special programs to temporarily block particularly addictive apps from your phone.
Be Adventurous
One way to avoid the urge to stare at your phone is to plan real world activities that are even more fun than the tiny dopamine drip of scrolling. Give yourself and your family something to really look forward to and follow through with doing it (no matter what kind of day you've had). From a free-admission day at the museum to putting on a family talent show, the opportunities for bonding are limitless.
Unplug
Pull out the craft supplies! Play a board game together! Go for a walk outdoors! The recent report from Girl Scouts of the USA also states that, instead of screen time, girls ages 5-13 would rather be creative (65 percent), go outside and play (59 percent), or spend time with family (59 percent). Clearly, your kids will be happy to help distract you from the scroll. And you can help them put their devices down, too.
Organizations like Girl Scouts are leading the charge to help the next generation navigate our increasingly complex world. Research-backed programs and activities can help your girl and your family face that future together. You can learn more at a free “Discover Girl Scouts” event near you, where she can make new friends and have some hands-on, screen-free fun, while you connect with other caring adults in your community. Learn more at www.gsccc.org/discover — and after you've registered, log off and go outside to play. We'll see you soon!
