The Disconnected Family
From Chaos to Calm: Day 72
You can read the rest of this series here.
Scripture Memory: We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. James 3:2
A few weeks ago, I was on facebook and noticed a “status” on a friend’s page that went something like this:
Family time: Mom’s on iphone, daughter’s on iphone, son’s on ipad, Dad’s on laptop.
That one little quip really bothered me. It sounded funny. But not really. It’s the sign of a disconnected family. Everyone off in their own little cyber space world. It’s what’s wrong with America today. It bothers me. I don’t want to be that family.
Now, honestly, I’ve never considered computer time, family time. I monitor the kids usage daily, their devices are passworded and only I know the password. They have to have permission to get on. I’ve never believed it was healthy to have your head in “the box” for hours on end on a daily basis. But at the same time, I felt like we were missing something as a family.
In our house, as busy as we are, we have a basic routine to our days. The kids do their school work then get their chores done so they can have “free time.” More often than not, as soon as their chores were done the request would come in, “Mom, can I get on my computer (or kindle, ipod, etc.)?”
I realized that free time was no longer about discovering new interests, working on a hobby, learning a new skill, having quiet down time, or taking a walk. It was more and more about being wired to facebook or Messenger.
I have felt, for a long time, robbed of my time. But who was really stealing it? ME. Do you feel robbed of your time?
Is your family disconnected? Perhaps it’s time to put a restraint on the electronics in the house.
[Tweet “Instead of dreaming about the perfect life, get up and live it.”]
I can’t count the times I would read someone’s blog, thinking their life sounded so perfect, wishing mine was, and then telling myself – “Instead of dreaming about the perfect life, get up and live it.” I have always had a pretty good life. No, a really good life. A wonderful life. But now, after limiting the internet and even disconnecting it for days or weeks at a time,… it seems all the more so.
The simple life… is the good life.
im blessed by ur posts.thanks Melissa
Oh, yes, this is a topic that has been heavy on my heart lately. I don’t want my kids to grow up and remember mom always had her phone in her hand or her face staring at the computer. I also don’t want them to become that way. We just returned from a family vacation at DisneyWorld. While there, I was very aware of the usage of phones all around me. People literally cannot stand waiting for a ride (maybe 10 minutes tops) without clicking on their phone. I started counting the number of phones I saw in use while waiting for one such 10 minute wait to get on a ride. Instead of having conversations with each other, these family members were all consumed in their own little technology world. Of course, I was no better as I was consumed in counting how many people were using tech rather than actually having a conversation with my family. Lol! Anyway, your words are wise and true!! Thanks for this, friend. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that, Rosann! We have become a very “disconnected” society as a whole. People can’t even remember what they did “before smartphones.” I have to constantly remind myself to be aware of how much time I spend “looking” at my phone or computer, too.
This post hit a note. I truly appreciate these timely readings, I have been blessed and encouraged. My boys got iPads for Christmas and I have noticed their desire to be glued to the screen. I like the idea of having a password that I control. I praise God for inspiring you to speak on this topic because the enemy is seeking to destroy our families. I don’t want to loose mine to this world.