A Social Media Addict in Recovery

Last weekend, my husband and I took a long trip to Colorado to celebrate his grandmother's birthday. It was wonderful to see old friends and family that we hadn't seen in a couple years, and we were glad to be able to spend the occasion with most of my husband's family. However, the small towns we visited had limited cell phone service, so I was only able to check my phone a few times during our stay. Despite the challenges of traveling with a toddler and a baby without access to phones or videos, we had a great time. I found myself not missing my phone at all and just enjoying the trip. I also realized that I have been in denial about my addiction to social media and my phone. When I have a spare moment, I often find myself scrolling through pictures of friends, friends of friends, and even strangers, and I frequently check my phone during meals or when I'm supposed to be interacting with my kids. I have even been known to forget my wallet at home, but I can't leave the house without my phone. This realization has prompted me to reflect on my role as a parent and whether I am giving my children my full attention. While I don't plan to stop using social media or my phone altogether, I do want to be more mindful of my habits and make sure that I am fully present in my life. I hope to make changes that will allow me to be more proactive in my role as a parent, whether we end up homeschooling or not.