Do you find yourself constantly checking your phone when it pings? Do you find it difficult to put your phone down once you are on it? Do you panic if you accidently leave your phone behind when you have left the house? Do you find yourself trying to multitask having a conversation with your child, family member or friend while sending a message? If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, it may be time for a Digital detox!

Devices are addictive and that is a fact. They were designed to keep you engaged and scrolling so don't beat yourself up if you find it difficult to put them down. I recently watched a documentary called 'The Social Dilemma' on Netflix, which was absolutely eye opening. I got my teenager to watch it as well as I was tired of the endless battles over screen time, knowing that it isn't good for her to be on it too much and trying to get her to believe my arguments. I also found myself going on facebook and then totally forgetting what I had gone on to do as it had sucked me in showing me old photos and memories and before I knew it, I was scrolling. If this sounds familiar then I highly recommend watching this documentary.

If you feel you could do with a digital detox, try some or all of these suggestions:

• Limiting screen time

• Turning off notifications so you can check your phone when it suits you, you don't have to be available 24/7

• Only check your phone a few times a day, after breakfast, after lunch and in the evening

• Don't have any screen time an hour before bed as it can affect your sleep

• No phones in the bedroom

I remember a couple years ago we went on a family trip to the zoo and while my husband went off with the kids, I sat on a picnic bench and watched the families around me. I was amazed and saddened to see the same scene play out. There was a little girl trying to get her Dad’s attention but both her parents sat flicking through their phones, ignoring her. I watched as she walked away to play by herself looking really sad and my heart went out to her. I watched another family and saw mum and dad sat with their backs to each other on their phones while their kids tried to get their attention, which they succeeded in doing in true kid fashion with one hurting the other so a parent would have to step in.

This made me realise how careful we need to be with technology when we are around our children, especially if you have younger children. Sitting on your phone while having a ‘family outing’ is antisocial and disconnects you from your children. There’s nothing that urgent that surely can’t wait a few hours while you enjoy some time with your family and connect. This applies too if you are just out with friends. Then there’s the message it is sending to your child, you are physically there but you are distracted and not fully there and present. Children learn through imitation and how we as parents behave. All they want is our time and attention. Technology is a part of our lives and there are many great benefits to it but there is also a downside if rules and boundaries aren’t put in place. It can easily lead to families becoming disconnected and antisocial. Children grow up so quickly, it feels like in the blink of an eye where you look back and wander where the time went. Savour every moment you have and really be present, that is what they will remember.

Last night I didn't feel like watching TV and felt the need to be creative. So I put on some gentle music and did some sewing and started making a doll. I noticed the effect it had on my children who gathered around me and chatted while I sewed. It felt nourishing and good as I was present and wasn't distracted. Even the cat joined us. I invite you to give it a try. Put your phone off early in the evening and do something different

What will you do differently today?

With love,