Keeping Your Family Close…The Ties That Bind Are Not Wireless
Interactive innovations are seemingly in endless supply. With the widespread success and use of iPads, Blackberries, iTouches, texting, gaming and social networking, children and adults are simply a touch screen or click away from their friends and family; however, is that really enough? And while technology is bridging the gap, allowing us to talk to people all over the world, in some ways it hampers and even hinders our use of some of the more intimate forms of communication. It’s especially detrimental within our own families.
Technology has overwhelmed our daily lives to the point of distraction! Some individuals are so consumed with tweeting and updating their Facebook status; they can no longer focus on the solitary task of face-to-face conversing with another person. Nor resist the urge to reach for their smart phones and retreat back to their virtual worlds every few minutes.
In a world where grownups and kids spend most of their days plugged in, scheduled or wired, sometimes the first thing to go is our sense of connection. Yes, we see our family members everyday, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our families are as close as we’d like them to be. So here are some suggestions to help you keep your families close, and the ties that bind wireless.
1. Keeping a family connected and close MUST be a priority from day one, and that means starting when are children are young. If we instill at an early age the importance of family, chances are this value set will follow our children into adulthood.
2. An important way to ensure family closeness is by creating special family time traditions. Pick a night and set it aside for the entire family to spend time together. Whether it’s a movie, game, or family date night you will be surprised how your children will come to treasure these special family times.
3. Choose your people not the devices, and choose to live your life in the here and now. The real world is much better. Set a goal to choose people over the device. Yes, there’ll be times when it’s tricky or nearly impossible to choose between your smart phone or laptop and paying attention to your child or your loved one or your friend, but try to use your devices more on your own time rather than during the time you share with others.
4. Remove those digital distractions and detox. Do it as a family. You will remember how fun good old fashion family time is, and yes, life goes on without a Smart phone. Just remember the day is meant to encourage us to disconnect our devices and reconnect with one another.
5. Sleeping with the technology is not a good movie title! Nor is it a good idea. Sleep gadget free each night. Move everything techy out of the bedroom. That handy dandy device needs some cool down time each day just like you!
The choices we make in the digital world also have a very real impact in our real lives. If we don’t opt to put down those iPads and log out once in a while, then we might just lose the ability to appreciate the moments that really matter in life, especially with those we want to keep close.
Always trust your gut! If you feel you’re spending too much time Tweeting or changing the looks of your online avatar incessantly, then you probably need a breather. Listen to that still small voice and focus all your efforts on who and what is important to you!
A basic premise to keep in mind when working towards keeping your family close is this…
When families are built on love, respect and devotion, there’s always a way to stay close!
