PSA For Parents: Get Off Your Phones! Here’s Why

It is estimated that there are approximately five billion mobile phones in use around the world so its no wonder people can become addicted. And being addicted to our cell phones is not just for kids anymore. In recent studies, it is shown that infants whose parents are constantly on their phones show signs of distress and less likely to explore their environment. Those two facts right there are enough to make any parent reconsider their cell phone habits. Keep reading for more reasons to get off your phone right now.

Your Child VS. Your Smartphone

There are multiple studies done that show your kids can feel in competition with your phone. If you are constantly on your phone during family time, dinner time, sports activities, and down time your child could feel second best. Child also said their parents spend too much time on their phones.

Your Parenting VS. Your Smartphone

Think about the last time you were at a restaurant. How many kids were engrossed on their phones? How many parents? One study shows that kids whose parents are on their phones are more likely to act out and are loud. It seems that parents are physically there but mentally and emotionally they are not.

Dr. Jenny Radesky is a pediatrician specializing in child development and recalled a time when a parent was ignoring her baby. “The baby was making faces and smiling at the mom,” Radesky says, “and the mom wasn’t picking up any of it; she was just watching a YouTube video.” She also added that children learn through face-to-face interactions.

“They learn language, they learn about their own emotions, they learn how to regulate them,” she says. “They learn by watching us how to have a conversation, how to read other people’s facial expressions. And if that’s not happening, children are missing out on important development milestones.”

Your Child VS You

Make rules for yourself throughout your day. No cell phones during dinner time or when the kids get home from school. Interacting with your kids and knowing what is going on with their lives can have positive effects in almost every part of their lives. In another part of the study kids felt “boring” to their parents and even called their parent’s phone, a “stupid phone.”

Imagine your child desperately wanting your attention but can’t because you are immersed in your cell phone. Adjusting a few things a day can improve your relationship. In addition, the overall wellbeing of your child will be greatly improved when attention is paid to them.

While your child is growing, learning, and developing they need direct contact and stimulation. Cutting your cell phone use even a few minutes a day can have a lifetime of positive effects for you and your child. Enjoying these moments with your kids are vitally important and they’ll go by quickly.

What are your comments and concerns about this topic?
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