BECOMING A PRESENT PARENT
When the internet started becoming popular about 15 years ago, I had a converstation with a very wise woman. She was a mother with several children in the home. All her friends were going crazy over the internet. "come on and join us on the internet" they would say. "Look at all the things it can do, isn't it amazing!" This mother replied; "Can it cook, and clean my home? Can it care for my children? Can it fix thier hurts? Can it tuck them into bed at night? If it can't do those things I don't need it!" Fast forward several years. Her kids are doing well. They are all happy and well adjusted in life. They are all going forward and contributing to society. She knew that there is nothing that can take the place of a present parent.
The computer and the internet has taken a toll on my family. In the past I have really tried to limit what I do and how much time I spend on the computer. The last 2 months as I have started a blog, and helped my dear sweetheart look for a job. It has been hours on the computer daily. My dear son begged me the other day to unplug "Can you please spend time with me and not be on the computer helping Dad?" I have slowed down. My dear husband has started work again. I have gotten the blog up to speed and now we can be in maintainance mode. Our children are small so it is mostly Mom that needs to uplug.
I am ready to take my life back again! I am ready to be a present parent.
Join me. Become a present parent. Unplug and join in the family be it for an hour, an evening, a full day, or the weekend.
Go on a media fast. See what can happen to a family unpluged.
shared at momma moments mondays
shared at homestead barn hop
shared at make a move monday
and at loving our children tuesday
also at teach me tuesdays
This is something we all need to hear! Repeatedly.
ReplyDeleteVery true and wise words!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Our computer recently crashed so I'm only able to get on when my amazing brother lets me use his.....unplugging with a crashed computer has made the transaction so much easier. I've also noticed that when I do get on in front of my girls they tend to be more needy or get into more things. They just want mommy. Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true because parents need to know when to leave their work at the door. My husband is always staring at his phone and missing the most precious things. Our 2 year old does something new everyday, and if you are looking you definitely miss out.
ReplyDeleteI am following you from Teaching What is Good blog and hope you follow back.
You ghouls check out my Children's Corner.
Jillian
http://puzzlemecomplete.blogspot.com
EXCELLENT challenge for all of us! There are so many things in our lives that are Time Suckers. Electronics is a big one! Thanks for the encouragement to make sure we are living in the present for our families!! Thanks for sharing this on my link-up today.
ReplyDeleteSo very true, and a good idea. I would love to get rid of television, cell phones and a lot of other modern "conveniences" that suck the life out of us as well! My kids are grown now, and we live with no phone service so I do use the net to keep in touch with them, as well as learn information for new skills. But if it was gone, I wouldn't weep!
ReplyDeleteGreat challenge! I have my children unplug every Thursday, and I unplug on Sunday. Now I just have to get us to unplug on the SAME day :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with SAST
I listed it as my favorite this week! Thanks for sharing on Make a Move Monday!
ReplyDeleteTara @ Simply Made Home
It totally is refreshing! I'm back on line now but have established some clear doable boundaries and I'm so excited about it!!! Blessings to you!!
ReplyDelete