What is Distracted Parenting and 11 Ways Parents can Avoid it

As parents, we tend to worry about how much screen time our children have. But we can’t deny just how much we have also become attached to our cellphones. Admittedly, it is hard not to with how we can practically do everything in it now. From emails, texts, social media notifications, breaking news alerts – everything that keeps our noses buried on our phones, making us dangerously close to being digitally distracted parents.

If you find yourself struggling to put down your phone and your eyes are constantly on your screen and not your child, this could be a problem. But don’t worry! There are ways you can avoid this habit and have your complete focus back on your little one. 

We look into what distracted parenting really is and 11 ways parents can keep it from happening. Don’t miss out on some essential bonding with your kids, and keep our absolute focus on them.

What are Digitally Distracted Parents?

Image source: iStock

Before we get to “how”, let’s first look into “what”. What is distracted parenting? Am I really among digitally distracted parents?

According to an article published by the Michigan State University Extension, distracted parenting is defined as parental overuse of hand-held technology like our cellphones and tablets – while in the presence of a child. 

Therefore, digitally distracted parents will often have their attention focused on their screens rather than their own children. It can be dangerous, especially in instances where you’re outside in a playground, and your child gets an injury, but you didn’t see it coming because you were too focused on your phone.

While many parents nowadays are guilty of distracted parenting, there is always a way to avoid it. In fact, we’ve got 11 ways!

11 Ways to Avoid Distracted Parenting

Image source: iStock

Just this once – put your cellphone away

First things first, time to put your phone down. Set it aside for a moment and enjoy some quality time with the kids. If you have to store your cellphone away in your dresser or bury it in your wardrobe, then go ahead.

We know how hard it is to fight the urge to check your screen once a notification pings, so it’s best if you separate yourself from the device for just a while.

Give yourself some clear and strict cellphone rules

Similar to the screen time rules you may have set for your child, you can arrange a time in which you can check your phone for a bit. Maybe try looking through it for a few minutes and then check for notifications again after an hour.

We know how busy things can get, so this way you can find out if anything important needs your attention. If not, at least you only spent five minutes and not hours scrolling through your phone.

Don’t worry, you can read that text later.

Make a to-do list

To be more organised, you can also try making a to-do list of important things that need to be done that day. When you have everything you have to do laid out in front of you, you can avoid forgetting anything along the way and won’t have anything to distract you.

Take the time to write down all your random ideas and work plans

There is probably a Notes app on your phone, but bring out an actual notebook and a pen to write down all your thoughts and ideas this time. Writing can be a good break from staring at your screen all day just checking social media and reading emails.

Seeing you write might motivate your child to join you and pick up their own notebook and pen.

Image source: iStock

Be in the moment

Kids don’t stay young forever, and pretty soon, your little toddler will be off to taking their PSLE’s. So try to always be present when your children are around. Be mindful and keep your attention to what is happening here and now.

When you’re doing fun activities together, give them your complete focus. Even the most mundane moments can strengthen your bond with your child. 

Don’t let yourself drown in all the news you read

Reading the news nowadays can be upsetting and can make anyone worry about the safety of their family. But don’t stress out too much and take a huge breath.

Spend some time with your children before catching up with the daily news if it would help put off some weight on your shoulders.

Be productive with the kids

You can do some activities with your kids at home during your free time. Test your creativity with some arts and crafts or maybe even do some gardening if you grow plants at home. Not only are you getting to spend precious time with them, but they also get to develop new skills.

Give each of your children solo attention

Those who have more than one child at home would know the challenge of ensuring none of them feels neglected. Try timing out a section of the day with each child, even if just for around 15 minutes. This will help them feel more connected to you. Then also find time within the day where all of you get to do something together as a whole family.

Have your child work next to you

This is a bit of a cheat trick, but if you want a little bit of screen time or just really need to answer an email and also be with your child, then you can have them do a little “work time” of their own.

Give your little on some art materials and have them create whatever they want. While they work on that, you can finish some work and have even more free time to spend with your child.

Image source: iStock

Take a break!

There are moments in life where you just have to stop and take a breather. We know it’s hard to juggle work or family problems but don’t get yourself too burned out. Just sit back, relax and give yourself a break.

Remember: Self-care is important

Take care of yourself first so that you would have all the energy to focus on your family. Take a little time for yourself to avoid getting too stressed or burned out. Tend to your own needs first, then give your full attention to your kids.

Source: Healthline, MSU Extension

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