McMan Parent Link issues parents a Family Day challenge

The McMan Parent Link Centre has challenged mothers and fathers around the Hat to be more engaged this Family Day.

The group has issued the challenge on social media, and is asking parents to put their phones and tablets away on Monday, to fully interact with their family.

“We want to promote being with your children and being actively aware around them,” said program supervisor Angela Dunn. “It’s one thing to spend time with your kids on Family Day, but we want people to be fully engaged with their kids.”

Dunn says working at McMan and seeing parents glued to their phones during sessions with their children is what prompted the group to hold this challenge.

“We see this type of thing far too often,” she said. “Parents will come in with their kids and be scheduled to play with them, but then they get a notification on their phone and that’s where their attention goes.”

The event is a personal challenge, says Dunn with the reward being a better relationship with your children.

“Allowing technology like a cell phone or tablet get in the way of your relationship can be very detrimental,” she said. “Paying full attention to your child is healthier for your relationship and it will make it so you never miss out on a big event or milestone because of social media.”

During the days after Family Day, Dunn says the Parent Link Centre will be holding another competition based around disconnection from technology around your children.

“We’re going to do something where people can submit their names and can win a prize or something,” she said. “We just really want to promote being there for your kids, especially when you’re with them.”