When Alice won't sleep I will wrap her in her fluffy blanket [she looks a lot like a baby burrito], put her in my arms and lay back on the couch. She's nestled securely and is often so chilled and comfortable that she'll fall asleep in my arms. While she's in that position I'll generally have my Xbox controller in hand and be playing while she rests.
So am I guilty of "distracted parenting"?
I wasn't even really sure that such a thing existed until I got an email this morning from Resolution Health Medical Scheme. I mean, I knew, it was a thing, but didn't really pay attention to it.
"Could your child be feeling neglected, even when you're in the same room as him or her? If you are absorbed in reading this article on your cellphone or laptop in your child's presence right now, it is possible that you could be a distracted parent. If this rings a bell for you, putting aside some technology-free time with your child each day could be a worthwhile choice of New Year's resolution," the press release read.
It probably doesn't apply to me at the moment because (1) Alice is still super young [three weeks at the time of writing], (2) it's very rare that I deal with her and her my technological devices at the same time. But it did get me thinking. I mean, the other day I wrote a news story with Alice in my arms.
Behavioural psychologist Dr Jacqui Joubert, quoted in the press release, said: "It is common knowledge that distracted driving is extremely dangerous, and many people have taken a firm decision not to use their cellphones while driving. Yet how many parents consider the potential consequences of distracted parenting and whether their cellphone behaviour could be affecting their children's development? While many of us would dismiss this idea as far-fetched, it is worth examining how much time we spend interacting with technology while we are with our children."
The danger, she continues, is that the child could construe that the parent is more interested in their phone than in them. This is potentially dangerous, she reckons.
"If parents are conveying the message that the cellphone takes precedence over respect for human relationships, the child is likely to feel ignored and this is akin to emotional neglect. When mobile technology becomes normalised as a part of family life, then it can quickly develop into a habitual pattern and lifestyle problem if parents become too reliant on it," said Joubert.
The solution? Be fully present.
"Teach your children the value of meaningful interaction by being fully present, and engaging your child without such distractions. Put your cellphone or laptop away when you are with your children. Parents need to show maturity in prioritising their children over the allure of technology, which is increasingly intruding on our daily lives. Rather than allowing your cellphone to distract your attention away from your child, perhaps put it to better use by taking photographs of your child to capture precious memories," said Joubert.
I guess it really is all about balance. I love the idea of being present in the moment, and a phone does distract from that. I'm in an industry where I'm required to be contactable almost around-the-clock. This advice is definitely something I'll take on board.
Do you have experience with finding that balance between being connected and being present? What has worked for you? Please share your tips in the comment section or on The Good, The Bad and The Daddy's FB page.
**video via 9gag
So am I guilty of "distracted parenting"?
I wasn't even really sure that such a thing existed until I got an email this morning from Resolution Health Medical Scheme. I mean, I knew, it was a thing, but didn't really pay attention to it.
"Could your child be feeling neglected, even when you're in the same room as him or her? If you are absorbed in reading this article on your cellphone or laptop in your child's presence right now, it is possible that you could be a distracted parent. If this rings a bell for you, putting aside some technology-free time with your child each day could be a worthwhile choice of New Year's resolution," the press release read.
It probably doesn't apply to me at the moment because (1) Alice is still super young [three weeks at the time of writing], (2) it's very rare that I deal with her and her my technological devices at the same time. But it did get me thinking. I mean, the other day I wrote a news story with Alice in my arms.
 |
| She was asleep and comfortable and happy, but it does get me thinking about "distracted parenting" |
The danger, she continues, is that the child could construe that the parent is more interested in their phone than in them. This is potentially dangerous, she reckons.
"If parents are conveying the message that the cellphone takes precedence over respect for human relationships, the child is likely to feel ignored and this is akin to emotional neglect. When mobile technology becomes normalised as a part of family life, then it can quickly develop into a habitual pattern and lifestyle problem if parents become too reliant on it," said Joubert.
The solution? Be fully present.
"Teach your children the value of meaningful interaction by being fully present, and engaging your child without such distractions. Put your cellphone or laptop away when you are with your children. Parents need to show maturity in prioritising their children over the allure of technology, which is increasingly intruding on our daily lives. Rather than allowing your cellphone to distract your attention away from your child, perhaps put it to better use by taking photographs of your child to capture precious memories," said Joubert.
I guess it really is all about balance. I love the idea of being present in the moment, and a phone does distract from that. I'm in an industry where I'm required to be contactable almost around-the-clock. This advice is definitely something I'll take on board.
Do you have experience with finding that balance between being connected and being present? What has worked for you? Please share your tips in the comment section or on The Good, The Bad and The Daddy's FB page.
**video via 9gag
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