Steve needs an app for this. This is so true & the smartest thing I've heard of coming out of CA. since Ronald Reagan.
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Parents distracted by phones could have long-term consequences on kids
MGN PHOTO: Woman holding a smartphone
By Karla Castillo |
Posted: Wed 11:00 PM, Nov 22, 2017
COLLEGE STATION, Tex. (KBTX) - Checking in with friends. Shopping. Replying to work emails.
Whatever you're doing on your phone, experts say think twice before doing it around your kids.
"Adults 24 to 54 spend an average of 4.7 hours a day on technological devices," said Phyllis Turner, a clinical social worker with Baylor Scott and White Health.
Turner say that screen time is cutting in on crucial face time with our children.
"This is a significant problem," said Turner.
Research shows that can have serious long-term effects on your child's development. They need us to look at them, especially when they're babies.
"They learn very quickly about their world through face-to-face interactions with mom. They learn vocalization. They learn through touching and then language skills," said Turner.
Distracted parenting can lead to improper brain development, according to a study from the University of California, Irvine.
When scientists distracted the mother rat, her babies showed signs of an inability to experience pleasure. The researchers noted that neglect could lead to risky behavior in human children, like drinking or doing drugs, and depression later in life.
"Sometimes I've wanted to check my social media, or check my messages, and feel like that's really important. But then I realize my kids are misbehaving, and it's actually not because they're bad kids, but they need attention from me," said Jenn Straznicky.
She and her friend Corrie say they've made some adjustments as moms to make sure their focus is where it matters.
"It seemed like I felt the need, like I needed to just respond immediately to a text or a phone call. But when I actually put the phone in the other room, I realized okay, nothing is that important right now. I can spend some time just focused with my kids," said Corrie Thetford.
Turner says it's all about balance. Wait until your kids are asleep to check your email or social media. And no matter their age, she believes our children always need us to disconnect and connect.
"We have to really step back and look at the bigger picture. What's really important in our lives," said Turner.
