DRAWN to the device
JEREMY TRIES TO DISENGAGE FROM HIS PHONE AND ENGAGE WITH HIS FAMILY
Ithink we can all agree one of the hardest parts about being a parent is finding your offspring more interesting than your cellphone. Putting away your mobile device to witness them achieving things is easily said, widely encouraged and even lectured on. But it’s easier to judge than do.
In my last column I mentioned our family’s attempt to ban phones at the dinner table. A failure thanks to Megan and me, the adults. We’re fighting our way back to righteousness
– if we really must fondle our phones, we have to ask permission of the children.
Their initial response is always “No”, after which us grown-ups argue our case while we bring our devices out and unlock them to create momentum. “But I want to show you the photo!”
Even as I do this, I’m aware of how it’s a hypocritical reversal of every time I’ve told the children “No” and expected them to accept it. I continue, nonetheless, such is the allure of the digital tech.
How can Megan and I expect the kids to be phone-free at meal times in future when we set such a bad example? We can’t. But we will. I don’t know how we’ll achieve it. Let’s cross that iPhone when we come to it.
Swimming lessons are so long. It’s easy for the children – they’re having fun learning to swim! I know how to swim.
What I don’t know is the latest development on Twitter. Could be anything. It’s usually anything.
The motivation for change came when my four-year-old daughter yelled from the pool, “Dad! Put your phone away!” This was in front of all those other goody two-eyes parents who were experiencing the real world. I cared not for their judgment, but the “understanding” stare behind the clouded pink goggles of my darling daughter will haunt me for some time.
Now I soak up the whole lesson in 3D reality! The phone remains in the pocket. I can’t bring myself to leave it in the car. Baby steps.
I still feel it in there, gently tugging for attention at my subconscious. Arguing as to why it should be utilised.
In the early days, it would get the occasional win: convince me it was morally acceptable to get video of my girl’s achievements, the problem being once in hand, it would further distract me with its small-screen luminescence.
No more. I can now resist its pleas for usage. I’ve even found enjoyment in sneering at those terrible mums and dads who can’t find it in themselves to cut the webilical cord. It’s only 20 minutes! Geez, a lot happens on Twitter in that time.
And I’m proud to announce that I am completely focused on my daughter when I pick her up from school. I heeded the online lecture one teacher gave to parents urging them to put the phone away for when their darlings emerge from class.
I’m happy to say I always put mine safely away so it is not a distraction. As soon as I hear that bell.