If there is one thing that shouldn’t ever be taken lightly, it’s family time. It should really be treated as it should and when it’s in motion, distractions like phones and the like shouldn’t be tolerated. And by family time, I’m not just talking about when the family goes out on trips and has a good time with each other. It can also be in cases as simple as family dinner, or movie night.
These days, it’s surprising how addicted many of us have become to our phones. Even when we’re eating, we can’t drop them even for a few minutes. As we’re shoving spoonful after spoonful into our mouths, our eyes remain glued to our screens while our thumbs keep on scrolling. It has become a part of us that we just can’t seem to be able to do without.
And if you as me, that’s bad. Dinner time for instance is that one part of the day when the entire family would be together in the same place and can have conversation on things in a neutral environment. Right from morning, the kids would go to school while the parents would go to work, there wouldn’t be time for chitchat during those times. At least the deep kinds where the parents can know what is really going on in the lives of their kids.
Then, in the afternoon, the parents could be occupied with other things in the house while the kids would be trying to do their homework. Or at the very least, be involved in other things kids their age get involved in. It’s only during dinner that everyone will have the time to talk and be open with each other. That’s why when you watch movies, they make a big deal out of family dinners because it’s not just about the meal, it’s about the bonding that happens during the meal. And when it’s over, it’ll be till the next dinner.
So, for me, the use of phones during dinner will be prohibited. I don’t care how important it is. Matter of fact, your phone will be in your room so we can all speak without distraction and bond as a real family should. Because once a phone is allowed in during dinner, it’ll start with a notification. And soon, it’ll be difficult to put the phone down. No one will want to talk anymore simply because they have their phones in their hands.
Phones are one of the main reasons people are growing distant from each other because the avenues that would have brought them close are no longer in place. When people go to have fun, instead of actually “having” fun, they prefer to take pictures and make videos. That won’t be the case for me. Family time will be family time, and it’ll be a rule that I’ll enforce. This is because a lot of us actually no longer know how to have fun, that’s why we think that if we’re not recording the fun, or if we’re not telling our friends and followers about it, then it’s not fun enough.
So, for me, as long as it’s family time, then it’s a strict “No Phones” policy. I’ll probably extend it to other things like movie night as well. How can we be watching movies together and you’ll be busy on your phone? Is something doing you?!
But then, I’m not a father yet, so what do I know? I’m just telling you all how I’d run my ship when I finally get to that part of the sea.