We all love technology. It's new, it's stimulating, and it's exciting — and, a lot of the time, the advances of technology have improved our lives for the better.
But what happens when we become a little too attached to our phones, tablets, and computers?
Without a doubt, kids these days have easier access to myriad kinds of high-tech gadgets. But there are so many reasons not to give your child a smartphone or tablet, as it will likely affect the parent-child relationship quite negatively.
Similarly, there are several reasons why parents should put down their phones from time to time.
After conducting a small experiment at home, Brandie Johnson, a mom of two from California, saw firsthand the heartbreaking effects of her "addiction" to her phone.
She posted an appeal to other parents out there who may be spending too much time on their phones, and this is what she had to say…
Scroll down to read this passionate mother's plea to every parent out there, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
For the past few years, we have received continuous warnings about the adverse effects that smartphones can have on our children and our family life.
Kids these days have easy access to myriad forms of technology. They often become so engrossed in using these high-tech gadgets that they lose focus on the more important aspects of life and learning.
But kids aren’t the only ones who are affected — in fact, parents can sometimes become addicted to their phones, and impair the relationship with their children. That’s why Brandie Johnson, mom of twin sons Blaine and Rylie, has turned to Facebook to appeal to parents about their smartphone usage.
She started feeling strongly about this only when she realized she was missing out on her kids’ lives. One day, she turned off her phone and watched the boys play. Then, she counted the total number of times that they looked to her for approval or recognition. They looked at her 28 times.
This is the stirring note she posted on Facebook. It reads:
Today I did an experiment, I watched my boys play. As I sat quietly in the corner of the room, I tallied how many times they looked at me for various reasons: to see if I saw their cool tricks, to seek approval or disapproval for what they were doing, and to watch my reactions.
I couldn’t help but wonder, if I was on some sort of technology what message would I have been sending? 28 times my angels would have wondered if the World Wide Web was more important than them. 28 times my boys would have not received the attention most adults are searching for. 28 times my loves would have questioned if they were alone emotionally. 28 times my kids would have been reassured that who you are online is what really matters.
In a world where we are accepted as who people perceive us to be and not who we really are, in a world where validation comes from how many followers or likes we have, in a world where quality time with loved ones is being replaced by isolation and text messages from the other room, I beg you to be different.
Please put down your technology and spend some time with your family & loved ones. The next generation of children is counting on us to teach them how to be adults, don’t be too busy on social media, you never know who is watching and what message you are sending.
'Technology is a double-edged sword. It helps and hinders,' Brandie later told the Huffington Post. 'I am guilty of being connected to my phone as well. This experience has completely humbled me to be more present.'
We hope that, like Brandie, you will also decide to put down your phone from time to time, and use that opportunity to bond with all those you love and cherish.
Please SHARE if you think we could all afford to put down our phones now and again!
