You don't need to take a break from technology just because you are a parent.You know what I’m sick of? Technology ‘Time Outs’. All these moms tossing down their iPhones, making pacts on social media to be ‘all there’ with their kids, being ‘present’ and ‘unplugged’.  Let’s all calm down for second.

I am present when I’m changing the tenth diaper of the day while singing itsy-bitsy spider. I’m all there when there is a flurry of toys and giggles interrupted by tears, followed by floor cuddles and pillow forts. I’m a stay at home mom to a two and one year old, so I am all there, all the time. Sometimes I just need a break and picking up the nearest iPhone is the easiest way to do this without leaving my house or putting on a bra.

Texting my family and friends throughout the day allows me to connect with them  and share our day without interrupted phone calls where I’m shouting out commands and consolations like someone with Tourettes. Jumping on Instagram is a place to connect with other moms who understand my exhaustion of doing nothing and everything at the same time, while becoming real life friends in a stalker-ish but comforting way.  Don’t even get me started on Pinterest. My family would be eating PB&J with boring table settings and my kids wouldn’t be entertained with homemade bath paints if it weren’t for Pinterest.

So I don’t feel guilty.  I am a present mom and I’m allowed a little brain-break.

I’m taking a technology ‘time in’. And if my kid asks for a third bowl of cheese and crackers while I’m googling weird shit I just smile and say, ‘I’ll get it in a few minutes, Mommy is having an instabreak right now….. Besides, I’m pretty sure I can find an app that will get snacks for you if I google hard enough.’

(Image courtesy of KROMKRATHOG / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

Author

Her friends know her has their nerdy girlfriend who gets day drunk at ladies' lunches. Shawna gave up her career to be a stay at home mom to three kids under four. She is online sharing the questions she is asking around simple living, simple style and simple health. Candid about marriage ish, momfails and God's grace.

8 Comments

  1. Those moms are just lying. To you, to themselves. Sure they might “unplug” for the night but then they text twice as hard tomorrow to make up for it. It’s all about balance.

    • Yeah, I hear ya about a break for the kids – but I can quit any time, really, I promise! I mean, it’s not like I use hashtags in my daily conversations #thatsalie

  2. That’s funny shit, Shawna!! I harbor nanoseconds of guilt each day (fleeting, of course) about my texting, instagramming, pinteresting, etc because I might have missed a few seconds of my kids bickering, car-crashing, mess-making moments. I like your take on this. I choose to side with you b/c it means that I can still maintain my iphone love affair without the guilt.

    • Thanks Angie, I had guilt burgers over it too. But there are many activities that draw our attention away: cooking, cleaning, making coffee… Why should we feel bad when it’s a few minutes here and there for us to unwind and touch base with other people who think voluntary body functions should be respected?!

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