The Black Box

Blogger: Sash

Normally our weekly Blog post appears online by Tuesday or Wednesday. This week there’s been a lot of self-evaluation so I wanted to experiment for a few days before posting this.

Another week of working from home….

To those in the front line of the COVID-19 battle...we salute you for your tenacity and dedication. My work week has not been anything close to what you had to face. Thank you.

To my work week…I don’t work in the front line but COVID-19 has added to our work load in terms of the finances and funding…reconciliations, documentation etc. The process is new for everyone and unfortunately it’s not a click of a button to get the financial information required.

There’s been a few nights when I’ve been totally exhausted after being in front of the laptop for the day. You know the feeling…when you don’t want to talk, just sit for a while doing NOTHING? This was Tuesday evening. NOTHING involved…grandma watching TV, dad on laptop, mum on phone, son on phone. Hmmm…

In days gone past, the television was referred to as the black box, the one that got our attention. These days it’s smaller…the laptop, I-pad, phone.

So the soul searching began. At 12:35am Wednesday morning! Wondering what values were being instilled in our home.

We have a rule that our son does not watch TV at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Yet I use my phone in bed sometimes for much longer than I expected.

I was reminded of my recent Netflix binge watching. I’ve deliberately stopped watching any series since October last year as I’m hooked from episode one and cannot stop until it’s finished. Alas! Had a relapse two weeks ago and was up until 3am hooked.

So in this soul searching moment the question popped in my head ‘If you would not allow a TV in your bedroom, why would you allow the phone or any electronic device?’

I’m a firm believer that whatever seeds we sow into our child’s life today is the fruit we will see later. If he sees us on our devices for hours, what’s he learning? It's interesting that in 2012 when Steve Jobs was asked “Your kids must love the iPad?” He said “Actually we don’t allow the iPad in the home. We think it’s too dangerous for them in effect.” Could the same be true of adults?

Why Steve Jobs never let his kids use I-pads

The immediate and obvious change was no phones in the bedroom.

So since Wednesday, it’s either on the dining table or on airplane mode in the room from bedtime until the next morning for both of us.

If it’s in the room, it’s not within hand reach so there’s no ‘let me turn it on for a minute to check messages’ (which would normally end up being much more than a minute as there’s that need to respond to the messages so I won’t forget!).

We normally use the phone as an alarm too but I’ll get an old fashioned alarm so the phone does not need to be in the room. (In case anyone’s wondering what about emergencies, how can someone get in touch if the phone’s on airplane mode? We have a landline that would cover that).

It’s only been a few days, but the impact has been almost immediate. First my mindset…there’s no impulse to check the work email one last time or that whatsapp message that just popped up. I feel my mind at rest now while I sleep.

Secondly, my sleep pattern has definitely improved compared to previous when I’d wake a few times a night.

This morning, my day started at 6:30am with no alarm clock. For a Saturday, that’s impressive as I'd normally be in bed for at least another 1.5hrs (or longer if the 3yr old boy alarm didn't wake me!).

I am more alert, focused, energetic and definitely in a better mood. And guess what? I actually have less of an urge to check facebook, whatsapp etc.

So how has it been going in your home? I’m sure we will all benefit from your story, your tips and advice.

Please like and share. I'm sure there's at least one person who may be encouraged :)

Your fellow Rookie Parent

Sash

I am an Accountant, Author and Blogger. Home is Australia with my husband and 3 year old son.

I believe that in sharing we grow.  And that's how this website and blog was born focusing on children and parents. It sure does take a village to raise a family and build a home.

It's so easy to forget 'you' on this journey. This website's here to remind you not to!