Family, Work & Technology

I've been busy. I think I say that in every post I write. Literally.

Busy is our new normal. Which really makes it the norm, and not something that is supposed to make me go crazy. Organized chaos I call it.

I'm getting more used to it. I promise. It only took me a year of having a kid.

Anyways, there's three main things that consume my time: Family, work and technology.

Outside of work, you'll find me toting a toddler with snot on my sleeve, attempting to communicate with my husband daily, and iPhoning (is that a word?).

Whatever you want to call it. Electronics are consuming our lives.

Did you know that Americans now consume 12 hours of media a day, compared to five in 1960?

That's sad.

From 5:00-8:00 p.m., it's simply mad chaos at our house. We have our routine and it's our new normal, but it's non stop. And can get ambushed by a toddler that didn't nap all day, throws a crying fit, won't eat dinner, falls and busts his lip, or throws his entire dinner on the floor.

Once we put said toddler to bed and finish duties for the next day, Brian and I usually find ourselves snuggling on the couch, or in bed, in front of the TV with either an iPhone or iPad in hand. Why?

To make sure we don't miss anything on Facebook? So I can catch up on Instagram?

If you're like me, you get anxiety over getting behind. Even in social media...yes, I'm weird.

I'd imagine most people are like me. Over consumed by social media and the world wide web, but can't simply cut back. Please tell me other people are like me.

We can't go anywhere without our phones. Or sit in a waiting room of a doctor/dentist appointment and not check our Facebook. Or remember the number of a friend without checking our contacts. What's a payphone? What's map quest?

I love my phone. I love technology. It's a camera. GPS. My grocery list. A mini computer, really.

I would most definitely use it in an emergency situation. Remember when cell phones were primarily for emergencies?

I love it and I enjoy social media, I really do, but something needs to change for us. We need to talk more. I never thought a simple conversation would be hard to come by.

We need to lessen our electronic usage and make time to have conversations. Find a balance between quality, family time and the electronics.

I'd imagine it only gets worse as kids get older. We've already reverted to kid apps and videos when Carson is screaming in public or throwing a tantrum at home. Do other parents do this?

Which brings me to my biggest fear and purpose for this post: Kids and technology usage.

If a child sees you do something, they are going to want to do it too. Hence, my husband and I spending too much time on our phones/pads.

Carson's doc said he shouldn't watch TV or digital screens (i.e. iPads/Phones) until age two.

Well...we've already ruined that one.

Don't worry, we're not sticking him in front of the TV or anything, but he has watched it when it's on and he does enjoy watching videos (of himself mainly) on the iPhone.

What's your take on technology usage for kids? What age is too young? Do you limit usage time at home? How do you balance it amongst your family?