I’m really excited to help spread the word about a super important issue in our culture and a small way you can take part in combating the problem. Particularly fathers. While there are many benefits to the technology that’s available at our fingertips 24/7, there is also no doubt whatsoever it’s tearing marriages, families and relationships apart when abused and that’s what we’ve come to in a big way today. Author Phil Cooke has called for a day where we DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT and I’m all for it. Here’s what Phil shares:
The research has been conducted and the verdict is in (though we hardly needed it to tell us) – we’re hopelessly addicted to our digital devices. So much so, in fact, that some psychologists are pushing to have “Internet Addiction” broadly classified as a clinical disorder. But isn’t it really affirmation that we can’t get enough of? We want people to acknowledge us, interact with us, consider our opinions, laugh at our jokes, and take part in our conversations. And these are all legitimate, natural wants and needs, mind you. Although we may seek the approval and affirmation of acquaintances, colleagues and classmates less if we received it from our families more.
Mobile devices, computers and social media are wonderful things, indeed. They’ve transformed our lives and our world in countless positive ways. But make no mistake, while we’re more connected than ever (and maybe because we’re more “connected” than ever), we’re more disconnected than ever from our families.
We’ve all experienced power outages. You might remember Nashville’s crazy storms over the past couple months and how several areas were without power on more than one occasion. Some of us in the office this week were talking about how during those hours when cell service was down and electricity was out, we actually gathered together in backyards as families and neighbors and just… (gasp) talked! It might be a little awkward to begin with but stories start, conversations move, laughs lift spirits and relationships deepen simply by being with each other. No electronic distractions.
It’s unfortunate that we have to force ourselves to disconnect in order to reconnect with our families but we do; it’s the world we live in and so we have to choose to be intentional about community and family time. Now here’s my challenge to you: Dad’s, set the pace. Show your families that they mean more.
This Sunday, disconnect from all your electronic devices and plan a day dedicated to your family and loved ones. If you choose to get crazier or more creative with this, definitely let us know. But it starts with one day. A little over a year ago I decided to start making each Saturday (Sunday’s a work day for me so it doesn’t work) a computer/email/cell phone/twitter/facebook free zone and I’ve never regretted in one day. Those close to me know how to get a hold of me if there’s an emergency. I can’t tell you how much I long for my technology fast each weekend.
Here are some tips from Phil:
1. Before going to bed the night before Father’s Day, check your e-mail one final time, turn off your mobile device and put it in another room. You may get the shakes, but you’ll get over it.
2. Plan the day well. Alcoholics are very susceptible during periods of boredom and it’s no different with an internet junkie. Plan a day of special activities with your family, so you’ll be less inclined/tempted to check email or go online. And, if the family takes you out, leave the mobile device at home! (You may be shocked, but yes – there was a time in ancient days when we actually left the house without a phone).
Remember – your kids watch your behavior more than they listen to your words. And when they see you unable to disconnect from email, text messages and Twitter? You’re telling them that what’s on your phone is more important to you than they are.
So, think about how much time you spend online versus how much time you spend face-to-face with the people you love you the most. And, at the very least, for 24 hours on Father’s Day, think about which connection is the most important to you:
The one to the world?
Or the one to your family?
