Distracted Parenting?
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Updated on Jul 08, 2013
I came across an article on something called 'Distracted Parenting'. The title made me curious and I wondered what could this distracted parenting be. The gist of the article was how todays parents are so used their mobile devices- using their smartphones, iPads, or busy texting or talking on the phone etc, that they often forget or neglect talking to their children. As I read it, I realized I am guilty of this type of parenting too. I often sit and browse through my mobile to check my mails, or see what my friends on facebook are upto or even get busy exchanging texts with my friends or family while my children sit quietly eating their meal or playing among themselves. I used to be more interactive with my children but the somehow my mobile takes the my attention off my kids! The article is based on researches on how language and speech development is delayed with babies whose parents are busy with their gadgets instead of communicating/ interacting/ playing with their children. This is the link to the article: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/07/papa-dont-text/309385/ The article ends with the following line: "You can only do one thing at a time: talk to the baby or talk on the phone. "
| Jul 08, 2013
Very true ANurima! These fancy gadgets have ruled r lives. We almost have become there slaves n find it difficult to imagine a life without these around. Sometimes we even forget that we have forgotten to do important things(though small) for r kids which can give them happiness. Like spending time with them, cooking their favorite food, listening to their unending talks, etc. these things have made us impatient as we r used to one touch action
| Jul 08, 2013
Hey Anurima , i completely agree with you ... it has been a struggle for me too but i have consciously decided ways to not let go of the control over to the gadgets of my life. The simple trick that works with me is , whenever i am in a situation which may lead to multitasking at the expense of my child , i simply ask myself , which out of the two is more important , mostly my honest answer is -" my child" . That just is the moment of clarity for me ( but i have to admit i am constantly consciously asking myself the question).
| Jul 09, 2013
Thanks Arunima.... I am glad that I got this opportunity to read this article. Even I was going through the same difficulty and had a guilt feeling of not giving my children what they need and keep complaining about their time they spend on gadgets. ... where as the same implies to us. They learn what they see. Thanks a lot. I will try my best to keep the gadgets away when I am spending time with them.
