Are you a distracted parent? Time to put the phone down

Credit to Author: Cheryl Song| Date: Tue, 03 May 2022 14:49:18 +0000

Most of us are aware of the danger of distracted driving, especially texting while driving, but not many think about the harm caused by distracted parenting.

Distracted parenting can come in many forms — parents may be overwhelmed with stress, work or other issues, but, more and more, parents are distracted with digital devices. While it might seem harmless, parents’ excessive use of electronic devices can have detrimental consequences.

Be a role model

It goes without saying that parents have to set a good example! Parents often complain about their children being addicted to using phones or tablets. What some may not realize is that children may simply be modelling their parents’ behaviours. These undesirable behaviours might, in turn, affect children’s schooling, work, relationships and confidence.

 Safety first

A parent’s most important job is to keep their children safe by keeping a watchful eye on them. Being constantly preoccupied by your phone can jeopardize their safety and wellbeing.  Accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. Whether it is by the pool, playground or in the kitchen, children can easily get hurt when parents are busy posting on social media or checking work email, and failing to properly supervise their children.

Children’s development                                                                                                 

Distracted parenting affects all areas of children’s development. It can negatively affect their growth, as well as emotional and social development. For instance, lack of regular and meaningful face-to-face interaction with parents can hinder children’s social and communication skills. And having to compete for their parents’ attention with electronic devices, children might start feeling insecure, abandoned, and unworthy of their parents’ time and attention. Moreover, children might start misbehaving to get even some negative attention.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Parent-child relationship

Let’s not fool ourselves into thinking that we can fool our children. Even at a very young age, children know when parents are distracted. By not giving our full attention to our kids when they need it, we can miss opportunities to build strong bonds with them. Then they may be less willing to open up and share their ideas, concerns and fears.

Children yearn for and deserve our undivided attention when they are in our care. Let’s treasure the precious time we have with our children by being fully present when we are spending time with them. By simply making the conscious effort to put our devices away, we show our children how much they matter.

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