Recent research shows that moms are spending more time on online social networks than anybody else. I feel pretty cool being a part of an infographic (via onlineschools.com) that labels moms as “the true technology power users“. Having said that, it also makes me wonder how much of our kid’s lives we’re missing out on because we’re busy “pinning” inspiration for the next birthday party.
Click image to see full infographic.
I realized how desperately I needed to “unplug” when I maxed the data on my phone plan last month. I sat there wondering how I was going to function till my phone’s next billing period. In case you’re wondering, I survived.
It was an eye-opener. Having been forced to spend less time online, I became more aware of all the sneaky, sweet moments I may have been missing out on.
Like the moment when Tiana took Elmo out to the balcony for a heart-to-heart.
Or when she laughed at her own joke.
(Ironically, these were taken on Instagram. But, in my defense, this app is not much of a time-suck for me.)
To make sure I’m not zoned out on Facebook when such cuteness is happening, I have a new approach to online activity.
How To Take Control Of Your Online Habits
1. Use Rescuetime – this handy tool tells it to you straight. You can pinpoint where you spend the bulk of your time online and for how long. The best part is, if you can’t rely on your will power, Rescuetime allows you to block sites.
2. Schedule in the work and the play – and then remain offline for the rest of the day. No more compulsive email-checking. As a mom with a blog and an online business, this will really help decrease online time by making me more efficient.
3. Declare one day of the week an OUD, Officially Unplugged Day – a nice reminder that life existed before the internet.
This plan should curb my internet addiction, while the work gets done and allow for some fun. But most importantly, less Facebook means more time with my favourite face of all.
How do you make sure technology doesn’t turn you into a tuned-out mom?
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I'm Nat Nanton, founder of Tutu Mama. Becoming a mother has made me commit to living my greatest life. If you can relate to that, you're in the right place.Connect with me
Great post–thanks for the reminder. I shared it on Twitter–hah! I've been noticing on random Sundays that I'm offline most of the day. Going to make it a habit!
Thanks Pamela! Choosing to be offline for a whole day every week is definitely a big challenge for me. But so worth it! Appreciate you sharing the post! xo
I’m a big fan of RescueTime too. It helps me keep track of how much time I’m spending on various ‘good’ things–writing articles, blogging, research–as well as the probably less useful ones like Facebook & Twitter.
Scheduling things is what I’m working on now. Now that I’ve had to start using daycare because I have more writing work than will fit into Sprout’s naptime, I’m trying to be more efficient when I’m paying someone else to watch him.
On the flip side of this issue, I’m not sure that moms using social media today is necessarily any different than moms talking to friends & family on the phone a couple decades ago, or writing a letter a couple of generations ago. I think people are quick to blame moms & judge us, but are we really spending less time with our kids? Nobody’s convinced me yet.
I think that modern mothers are more tempted than mothers in previous years with their forms of communication because of the convenience of social media. It gives the illusion of being less time-consuming. It’s so tempting to send a quick tweet while at the park with the kid. Then before I know it, I find myself off in the online world while Tiana is tugging at my pant leg. *Hangs head in shame*
But no judging here! Just bringing awareness. 🙂
Hi, I stopped by from Tiffany Noth July Blog Hop. Hope you'll visit me The Moxie Bee. Great & informative post! ~Maura Alia Badji.
Thanks for stopping by! Off to check out your blog. xo