Nannies & Parents: Ditching Our Phones
There’s no question — we all spend too much time on our devices.
We know better… but why does it feel nearly impossible to cut down on phone usage? Just about everything is there, calling our name. We put our phone down and in the matter of seconds, "hmmm… I wonder what we should order for dinner?” or “Poor Michael’s skin looks so irritated. I should google eczema remedies.”
Today’s Tip Tuesday has been created to inspire us adults—nannies, caregivers, parents—to put down our devices. Our kids deserve more of our undivided attention. Although choosing our phones over our children is not our intention, the action of staring at our phone while they’re calling for us to play a game with them may feel deeply hurtful. At the very least, they are getting the message that we are too busy to spend quality time with them.
If/when you find yourself becoming consumed, pull back the reigns and disconnect. Setting limits on when you can use your phone is a great way to cut down on mindless scrolling. If you’re finding it particularly hard to set away, commit to 15-30-minute time frames where you’re fully present, engaging with your child. Retraining your brain to check for notifications is hard, but for our children’s’ sake, let’s make an effort to go against the grain and cancel bad habits.
Our kids deserve it.
For more advice—geared towards families, nannies or both—visit our Instagram page and click on our Tip Tuesday highlights.
- The Nanny Harmony Team
