Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Email, Apple Store, Instagram, Software Updates, Games, and on and on and on… There are so many apps on your phone that push notifications.
Being a mom of two is very different than being a first time mom. Over the last four months I have experienced the beginning of how that is different. I have discovered a few reasons why it was important for me to turn off notifications on my phone.
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Being a mom is a responsibility just as much as it is a privilege.
5 Reasons I chose to turn off notifications on my phone:
1. I’m OCD and want that little red number to go away.
I don’t know about you, but when I open my phone and I see that little red box that tells me I have something pending, my anxiety raises. I feel the need to go into that app and clear whatever notifications it is.
If you don’t have your notifications turned off, those red boxes quickly, quickly add up. If I know there aren’t going to be notifications on my phone, I don’t get as anxious to check what I’m missing.
2. The phone to a child is a like a light to a bug
Kids instantly flock to phones. Kids these days LOVE to play on phones/tablets/tvs/computers! They love screen time! While I don’t see that as a completely horrible thing, I also am hypersensitive to the amount of time my son plays on my phone.
I find myself checking my phone when I nurse and I can watch my son instantly go from independent play to demanding it’s “Ne-nand’s turn” {that’s what he calls himself}.
My phone has the power to draw in my toddler like nothing else. I found myself not wanting to know updates because I didn’t want to open my phone when my son is around. I didn’t want him to feel like he needs to play with it just because I’m holding it.
3. The attention grabber
If I’m paying attention to my baby, I find that my son instantly wants my attention too. The same concept goes for my phone.
I understand the neurological and emotional standpoint of that behavior so it doesn’t bother me, but that still doesn’t mean I know how to handle it.
4. My phone is the number one source of temper tantrums at our house
If I can avoid being on my phone, my son forgets it’s an option. If I’m not having to take it away from him, it dramatically decreases the amount of temper tantrums at our house. I like that.
5. To be present with my kids
One of the motherhood responsibilities we owe our kids is to be in the present. It is very important that we choose to focus on them. It’s a choice because it’s not always an easy thing, it doesn’t always come natural, but it is our job. Children learn so much from their parents, and if we aren’t present to teach them WHO WILL?
I chose to turn off notifications on my phone because it allows me to be present with my two kids, and it reduces negative feelings in my home. Both were plenty enough for me.
Have you experienced any similar “phone” moments in your home? Comment below!
This article was submitted to the following link party: Mommy Moments
