This is NOT Quality Time.

If I asked you what was more important than your children you would say nothing! If I asked you who or what comes before your children you would say no one and nothing! If I asked you if you spent time with your children you would say of course I do. I take them to the park, I take them to go get ice cream, I take them to the movies, I take them to their games and we have game night. I would say awesome but, are you there in body and in mind or are you there in body and half-“donkey” mentally? In other words are you engaging in every moment and soaking up every conversation or quietness (when they are tweens and teens)? Are you looking at their expressions? Gestures? Are you looking at the screen? Are you watching the game? Or are you looking at your phone or social media? Are you texting? Are you playing a game? Are you talking business or pleasure? Are you talking to your spouse or significant other?

If you can’t fathom the idea of leaving your phone in the car or turning it off during game night or while you’re at the movies in fear you may miss a call or text or post…you have a serious problem. A serious and sad addiction to a device. A sick relationship with your phone.

Here is a bright idea. Why don’t you call everyone you think may call or text you and tell them you will be with your children for about two hours and you are turning the phone off for uninterrupted time to give your children some UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. Well, Nikki, I have aging parents or a very important business matter. Well…I strongly suggest you don’t go on any social media or set your phone to quiet time and only allow your business contact or parents to interrupt. Tell the person on the other end I got one minute then I will have to call you back because I am having quality time with my child and I can’t possible talk to you/watch them at the same time effectively. It bugs the hell (heck for the offended) out of me when children just want your focus, conversations, time and all eyes on them and you can’t because you are oblivious to them because you are so connected to your phone. Time with your children FIRST …girlfriends, boyfriends, friends, phone games, social media later. They would have not constantly ask you “Did you hear me?” or “Did you see that?” if you were PRESENT in MIND and BODY.