My name is Emily, and I’m a smartphone-aholic.
I came to this realization when my almost 21-month-old son made it his personal mission to start bringing my phone to me if I left it anywhere else in the house other than the room I was in. He proudly presents it to me with a smile of accomplishment on his face, and I have to muster up a, “Thank you so much, baby” while I’m overcome with an overwhelming sense of shame. Do I really want my son to grow up associating the shiny rose gold device (no matter how pretty it is) with the notion of “Mommy?” Or thinking Mommy’s too busy to play with him because I’m entranced with my phone? Or even worse, having him become obsessed with my phone, too?
When I first noticed this pattern developing, I started thinking about how much time I really spend on my phone. I think the fact that I can’t make it until noon without getting the low battery level warning says it all. Now granted, it is an old 6s Plus so the battery life is bad but still, you get the picture. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to checking my phone. First, I read/reply to any text messages. Then check my email. Then check Snapchat. Then Instagram. And then finally, Facebook. And after that, if I’m still bored/have time, I’ll open up Pinterest. Before I know it, I’ve made boards for the wedding I’ve already had, the birthday party that is still a year away and the dream house I may never own.
“But why though?” I keep asking myself.
Why am I sacrificing the important things in life for a piece of aluminum?
When I make a conscious effort to put my phone down, it’s a pretty great view without the glow of a smartphone screen – my son discovering the world around him, my husband being a better dad than I could ever have imagined and our fur baby doing something he ought not be doing (well, I suppose 2 out of 3 isn’t bad 😂).
I’ve noticed some other great perks about unplugging, too, including –
- Less drama for this mama – I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a pretty emotional gal and often get worked up about things I see posted on social media by family members, friends, acquaintances, old high school classmates, other people I stalk on Facebook (don’t act like you’ve never done it too)… By not checking my SM apps on the regular, I miss a lot of these irrelevant updates that would, otherwise, irk me.
- Savin’ those dollar dollar bills y’all – My Facebook and Instagram feeds especially are filled with the cutest boutique clothing items I’ve ever seen for both babies and mamas, and it’s a fact that I need one of everything (and in every size). And those darn VIP groups on FB with their live sales and daily deals get me every single time. Not to mention, my Target and Amazon apps make one-click purchases a breeze. Needless to say, less screen time equals less temptation.
- Unplug and snug – My new motto in life. By putting my phone out of sight and out of mind, I have more time for snuggles with my little guy, my hubby and my dog, which makes me feel more connected to my family as a [fur] mama and wifey. And besides, the world is simply a happier place when more snuggle seshes are involved.
Now, I’m not perfect. I still find myself picking up my phone out of habit and tempted by the red notification badges on my favorite apps. But I’m trying to limit my phone binging to twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Unless that is, my son is doing something extra cute and I need to snap some quick pics. After all, like many things in life, it’s all about finding the right balance for YOU.
