Phone boundaries as a parent can be hard

In today's digitally connected world it’s bloody hard to establish and maintain healthy phone boundaries for ourselves and our children. Phones can be addictive and when we are depleted and bored… which parenting provides ample opportunities for it’s easy to get stuck in phone habits that don’t serve you or your kids.

Watch this instagram live I did with Sam Flynn a Digital wellbeing and social media coach, trainer and speaker Sam is passionate about helping businesses create a positive digital culture and help individuals manage their personal smartphone use, to gain back time, sleep, focus and to improve their mental health. https://samflynn.co.uk/

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Hughes (@findingflowparenting)

5 Tips For Cultivating Healthy Phone Boundaries

1. Establish Fixed Phone-Free Zones:

Just as certain areas of the house are designated as "no shoes" or "no food" zones, consider setting up phone-free zones in your home. These designated areas, such as the dining table or bedrooms, encourage quality family time, uninterrupted conversations, and better sleep routines. Enforcing these limits consistently helps to establish a healthy culture around phone usage.

2. Model Healthy Phone Behavior:

This one is a tough one! Children tend to emulate their parents' behavior. Therefore, be mindful of your own phone usage habits and demonstrate responsible behavior. If the phone is your go to when you are seeking entertainment, get intentional on other things that might serve you. Podcasts/ magazines/ books.

3. Disable unnecessary notifications:

Notifications can constantly distract and interrupt your day. Take the time to assess which app notifications are essential and disable the rest. This way, you can focus on what's important without constantly being pulled into your phone.

4. Create Practical Boundaries with a Kitchen Safe

I am a big fan of a Kitchen Safe these are lockable boxes with timers on the top. They can help you break habits if you are prone to seeking your phone at particular times of the day.

5. Make a list of all the other things you could be doing

Phones can be such a time drain. What are they keeping you from? what else could you be doing? We often go on our phones seeking escapism and dopamine from the grind of parenting. What else could help you meet those needs. For me its popping on some music and hanving a dance. At first i felt silly. now it’s an integral part of my self care.