Summary

A father realizes the importance of reducing his own screen time to prioritize meaningful interactions with his children, setting a positive example for them to follow.

Abstract

The article reflects on the personal journey of a father who confronts his own excessive use of screens while multitasking. Recognizing the hypocrisy in asking his children to limit their screen time while he himself is immersed in digital devices, he decides to change his behavior. He acknowledges the fleeting nature of childhood and the necessity of being fully present for his children, opting to engage in activities with them instead of attending to work and social media that can wait. By choosing to spend quality "kid time" over "screen time," he emphasizes the value of cherishing the small, daily moments that contribute to strong family bonds.

Opinions

The author admits to being guilty of multitasking with various devices, highlighting the irony of reading about managing children's screen time while indulging in the same habit.
He advocates for self-reflection and personal change, believing that to be the best parent possible, one must model the behavior they wish to see in their children.
The author emphasizes the importance of savoring the present, as childhood is fleeting, and the moments spent with family are precious and irreplaceable.
He prioritizes family interactions and activities, such as playing basketball, watching a movie, and enjoying a ballet performance, over immediate work obligations and social media updates.
The author expresses frustration with the distraction of mobile devices during family conversations and acknowledges the importance of being fully present and attentive to his children.
He underscores that while managing children's screen time is important, it is equally crucial for parents to limit their own screen time to foster a healthy family environment.

Here is Why I Am Prioritizing Kid Time Over Screen Time

Emulate what we want to replicate

Multitasking

I am guilty of multitasking.

Sometimes, I work on the computer while answering emails on my phone, checking alerts on my watch, and streaming music on Alexa in the background.

Recently, I was doing this while reading articles about managing screen time for my kids.

The irony was not lost upon me

This moment caused me to look in the mirror.

How can I ask something of my kids that I am not doing myself?

To be the best dad possible, I needed to alter my own behavior before asking my kids to change.

I needed to prioritize “kid time” over “screen time.”

Time flies

My kids are growing up.

I look at pictures from our summer vacations and am reminded of the fleeting nature of time.

Yesterday, we were bringing baby Max home from the hospital. Today, my kids are 14, 11, and 10.

In the blink of an eye, they will go off to college.

My work can wait

This project is not critical.

The latest tweets will still be there tomorrow.

Updating Facebook is not that important.

My business conference call can be rescheduled.

My kids are here now.

Kid time

I grabbed a basketball. Max and I went outside to shoot baskets.

Then, Lily and I watched an old episode of Friday Night Lights. (Yes, we both cried).

Lucy then performed her latest ballet routine.

I loved every second of it.

Being present

Nothing annoys me more than when my kids are texting while we are having a conversation.

Then, I catch myself glancing at the alert on my own phone while they are talking.

They deserve my full attention. I want to be fully present in these moments.

Savor the moment

Our lives are so busy. We run from one place to the other. Every minute of every day is booked.

It is time I remember my family is my highest priority.

The little moments each day matter most. Laughing together. Playing together. Having a conversation.

Monitoring children’s screen time is important, but limiting my own is crucial. I need to emulate what I want to replicate.