Our kids know their screen time limits better than we do, amiright?!
But let’s talk about screen time limits for mom.
About a month or two ago when Covid started another surge, I couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t take the for and against or the really for or the really against. I couldn’t take my own opinions, if I’m honest.
Social media was draining me in a way it never had before. I would trash a whole day by accidentally mindlessly scrolling and coming across something I didn’t need to see. I was irritated with everyone and with myself. And more than anything, I was scared.
I’ve considered going off of social media before. And I’ve attempted it here and there. But because a large portion of my professional life requires at least some social media time, I never really could make it happen. But I decided that it was time. I told myself that I was doing everything I knew I could do to keep my immediate family safe. I was doing the best I could do. And no social media would change that.
So, I turned on the Screen Time feature on my iPhone. I allotted myself 20 minutes of screen time a day. I typically hop on in the morning while I drink my coffee. I accomplish anything that needs to be done and check any alerts or messages that I need to. Then I get off. And I only get back on if something “needs” to be done. But the apps won’t open without me consciously telling them to now.
No more mindless scrolling.
And somehow I’ve gotten into a competition with myself to lower my weekly numbers. Now I want them to be as low as possible.
I am certainly less informed. I have no idea what cookies Caroline’s Cookies has this week (but I wouldn’t be able to get my hands on any anyway 🤪). But really — I know I’ve missed things I’ve wanted to see — like birthday pictures and selfies. But I’m more relaxed. I’m getting more accomplished. And I’m less afraid. I’m doing everything I can do. And that’s the best I can do. Amen.
