My daughter had joined the one-armed mothers, gripping a cell phone in one hand, while juggling her domain with the other. At meals she had a fork in one hand, her phone in the other. While helping with homework, while grocery shopping, even while driving her children, it was always the same.
Multitasking? Maybe. But how many tasks can you manage successfully with your eyes on a tiny screen, your ears attuned for a bleep and your thumbs pecking away? What must kids do to get their parent’s attention? In my experience, they talk louder, tug harder and act out bolder.
Give your children a gift—your undivided attention. Turn off your cell phone and turn on to them. Then talk to your friends about setting limits and text-free zones during family time. And look into your children’s eyes; they speak volumes.
This message is an excerpt from a Women of the ELCA blog by Donna Prunkl. Today we remember Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, martyr, who died around 115. Please pray for Women of the ELCA’s executive board as they travel to Chicago today.
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