I remember getting my first smart phone 6 years ago. I was so excited at the prospect of being able to work remotely. Not being tied to my computer all day waiting for emails to come through. Fast forward 6 years and I’ve found that I have become a bit addicted reliant on my iPhone. And I have begun to resent it. However, as an owner of two businesses who relies on staying connected I can’t seem to kick the habit.
I recently read an article that said to think of play time as an investment in your children. It helps to develop your child’s confidence by dropping what you are doing and just playing with them. It shows them that what they are doing is important. The problem is I don’t like to play. I love spending time with my kids and doing art projects and going to the park. I like to play on my own terms. But, I can’t stand to play cars or trains or dinosaurs. I just keep thinking I have laundry to do, dinner to cook, things to clean, email to answer. I am sad to admit that nearly every single time Brayden asks me to play I either give him an excuse as to why I can’t or I suggest we do something else. Or I start to play with him and five minutes later I have my iPhone out checking my email.
As a business owner I am always busy. There is always something to be done. However, my kids are young once. And I don’t want them to remember me as the mom who was always looking at her phone saying “One more minute”. What am I going to do about it? For starters I deleted Facebook and Twitter from my phone (I can’t delete Instagram!). I’ve also deleted all of my favorite games. I am making a conscious effort to put my phone on my desk or up on a counter so I am not tempted to look at it. When Brayden asks me to play, I will play. Laundry can wait. Emails can wait. I am going to cherish this time that he wants me to play with him. Because I know soon enough the tables will turn and I will be begging my kids to give me some attention.
Canon 5D Mark II, 50 1.2
F 2.0, 1/400, ISO 250
