Digital Detox: Reconnecting Families in a Disconnected World
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to deny the effects that digital technology has on our lives. Whether it’s work emails, homework, schedules or social media scrolling, screens surround us. But have you ever considered the toll it takes on your family? In this article, we’ll explore the concept of a “Digital Detox” for families, offering a refreshing break from the constant connectivity that has become normal.
As parents, we want to ensure our kids can navigate the ever-increasing technology. We want our families to distinguish true information from false information; we want them to be able to form their own opinions before searching for one online. We want them to be able to build connections with people face-to-face and understand the power of communication.
We are beginning to see some of the negative effects of social media and cyberbullying that, when connected online at home, kids can no longer escape it and see their own value. Constantly bombarded with what’s cool, and in or popular and unable to generate their thoughts, but rather adopt the opinions of others. Kids must recognize their self-worth and not base it on external validation. They need a place where they can disconnect.
What Is A Digital Detox?
A Detox is when you cleanse your system of things that no longer positively serve you and make room for new habits that improve your life!
A Digital Detox removes digital items from your life during certain times or spaces to make room for personal growth, deeper connections and new healthy habits.
A Digital Detox For Families is a way to remove some of the habits of electronics that have developed within the family. It is a way to reset the home to where connection and family are the foundation, create a safe, judgement-free space, and remind ourselves what truly matters.
As a family, detoxing from technology and phones can be challenging. The constant sounds of calendar notifications, email reminders, appointment reminders and more can make it difficult to get everyone on board.
In this post, explore the benefits of completing a Digital Detox for your family, who should partake, when and where, and how to do it. Then, you can print off the FREE ‘Digital Detox for Families‘ guide, which includes all the tools you need to get your home and life back on track with healthy tech habits.
Let’s uncover the path to revive, rebalance and reconnect in a healthy way.
Why Do A Digital Detox
Research done by The National Library of Medicine highlights the associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being and found that more hours of screen time are associated with lower well-being, including higher anxiety, less emotional stability, curiosity and self-control.
But we only need to look as far as ourselves and our homes to see the benefits of a digital detox. You can find numerous studies and statistics on long-term effects, but the real proof can be found right in your home.
Have you ever had to turn your phone off for a while or silence it? Maybe you found it a distraction or realized you wasted an hour scrolling. Recall the feeling just before you put it aside – likely, you felt frustrated, maybe annoyed with yourself or a little guilty.
Now, think of when you didn’t have your phone or computer on and were in tune with the moment. It could be completing a task, a family moment, dinner time, or walking. How did that feeling differ? Usually, when we connect with the people or nature around us without distractions, we feel lighter, energized, and happier.
Take a look around your home. Do you notice times and moments when you use electronics and shouldn’t or a shift in moods when you ask your family to turn something off? Do you notice moments of laughter and happiness when you’re all together doing something? Perhaps it’s time for a Digital Detox?
Should My Family Digitally Detox??
Answer the following questions.
- Is there a cell phone at the dinner table?
- Do you get distracted when a phone beeps?
- Do you find yourself comparing lives with others you see on social media?
- Would you like to watch just one more episode late at night?
- Do your kids respond to your questions when they’re online?
- Are you guilty of not answering your kids’ questions when you’re online?
- Are you going to your phone out of boredom?
- Do you feel better when someone likes a post you created?
- Do you answer emails during off-work hours?
- Is your phone the first thing you check in the morning and the last before bed?
If you answered yes to any of these, it could be an opportune time to do a Digital Detox. Don’t feel guilty; we all experience these habits or moments. These questions are designed to make you look inside and help you identify areas where you and your family can make changes to bring you closer and more connected to your own lives.
How To Do A Digital Detox?
Beginning a Digital Detox is as simple as implementing three strategies. It is essential to create device-free spaces, times and habits. With some planning and preparation, you’ll begin to see changes once you kickstart the process. To help guide you through this journey, I have created a FREE resource called ‘Digital Detox For Families’. It provides a step-by-step process, considerations to keep in mind, and a five-day kickstart challenge to set you and your family up for success.
The Three Main Challenges Of A Digital Detox are:
Resistance from family members
Understand that not everyone will be enthusiastic about device-free times. Some may need more time to adjust. Some will have different motivations or not be as motivated as you to do it. This is where the planning comes in. Leave time for openly communicating and give them time to ask questions and make adjustments.
Ability to be consistent and follow through
The challenge of being consistent and following through is tricky. There are moments when we are tired or busy and will be tempted to reach for our devices. These moments are when it becomes essential to remember your goals. Staying strong and setting an example are important parts of this challenge. If your family notices you following through and notices the changes in you, it will also make it easier for them to look at themselves and see there would be benefits for them as well.
Balancing Educational Needs
Education and work require electronic devices to be used for certain things, creating a new challenge. Balancing these obligations while maintaining our boundaries is vital.
Though this pressure feels overwhelming and dutiful, you can set boundaries for yourself and your family. It is still your home. Assign specific times for electronic homework and your work. You don’t need to be answering emails after work hours, and you can set boundaries for yourself and your family.
Being aware that these will likely present themselves is essential. Use the methods to work through the challenges that may arise. Keep communication open and allow all thoughts and feelings to come through.
Reconnecting
The final part of doing a Digital Detox is reconnecting. Reconnecting with yourself, your family and your interests. This is the best part, where many rewards and benefits are seen and felt. Engage in activities you enjoy alone and as a family. Take your time away from the digital world to explore them.
Set a family goal and support each other through the Detox journey. You will all be experiencing some challenges throughout, and being together is a great way to support and help each other. Go for a walk or hike, start a new sport, cook together or play games.
Consider using a journal to record the positive changes that develop. Celebrate the success and changes together, and continue building the strength of each member individually and as a group.
Final Steps
Print off the Free guide, which includes three strategies for creating healthy tech habits. When we turn off devices, we look up. We look at what is in front of us, live our lives, connect with others, and rebalance ourselves.
Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of a Digital Detox for your family and how to go about it, it’s time to take action. Embrace the change and create device-free spaces, times, and new healthy habits that nurture stronger connections with your loved ones. Print off your ‘Digital Detox For Families’ guide now and watch the transformations.
