The Impact of Technology on Modern Family Connections

Have you noticed how our relationships with loved ones have changed due to screen time dynamics? We'll look at some ways to bring better balance with the goal of enhancing family relationships.

Technology has become more central to our daily lives, changing how we interact with our families via smartphones, tablets, PCs, social media, and streaming services.

In many ways, it is more challenging to parent now because of screen time factors than in past generations. Parents now deal with problems and obstacles we never would have imagined for ourselves as a parent of adult children.

Often, screen time rules time spent at home. Families can be watching Netflix movies, on video conversations, or engaging in video games. 

This trend needs intentional thought regarding how digital life shapes our relationships within the family. 

Have our technology interactions driven us apart or have we become more bonded?

Let's demystify screen time dynamics

This refers to the influence of technology on family bonds and the time we spend glued to our various digital devices.

Excessive screen time can rob us of valuable opportunities for meaningful connection with loved ones.

In those moments, someone is too absorbed in smartphone games to appreciate your sibling's witty (or sarcastic) remarks or a parent's instructions or conversation.

***Book Recommendation- Creating a Tech-Healthy Family: Ten Must-Have Conversations to Help You Worry Less and Connect More With Your Kids

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These practical tips or points to consider can help your family balance such that screen time doesn't control your relationships:

1. Set limitations: Provide clear ground rules and expectations for screen-time for your family. Choose a daily screen time limit that you can all live with.

2. Quality time: Prioritize scheduling a no-screen family time that’s void of the distractions of technology.

Carve out specific days or hours for everyone to come together and enjoy technology-free activities, such as family walks, board games, or outdoor activities.

3. Communication: Discussions should openly be talked about with the family and allow each person to contribute ideas.

Encouraging the sharing of feelings and concerns helps each person to feel heard, and coming up with solutions you can all live with helps bring cohesiveness.

4. Tech breaks: Encouraging and modeling regular breaks from technology can be an influence to reduce screen time for everyone.

5. Set an example: Reflect your priorities of your own screen time in your actions. Your example is seen and does have influence. Actions speak volumes.

Prioritize quality time and teach the importance of a healthy balance of real life versus technology. Too often, social skill development is cut short.

6. Look for substitute activities: Help each family member contribute to ideas of things to do that are not tech-related. Encourage volunteering, check out community sports, learning a new hobby or outdoor activities.

Screen time in moderation has benefits. Try to do some of that time together to develop bonding time.

How do you all balance screen time in your families?

By Val Garner - all rights reserved.

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Here is a book series recommendation that is important for families today. That is of sharing and preserving our stories and history to be passed down as a legacy for future generations. Let's not lose our stories.

Multigenerational Guided Journal for Parents: Your Life Legacy and Family History for your Descendants

Multigenerational Guided Journal for Grandparents: Your Life Legacy and Family History for your Descendants

Multigenerational Guided Journal for Great Grandparents: Your Life Legacy and Family History for your Descendants

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