You know, I’m old school. I resisted getting a mobile phone but I finally got one for my business. I liked it. I resisted getting a smart phone but I finally got one when the price was lower than a new flip phone. I like it.
And everywhere I go, all heads are bowed toward their phone. In the movie theater, the doctor’s office, on the street, the bank, even children’s recitals, everyone is on their phone. I noticed in the airport, where young people were on the phone now even people with white hair are on their phones.
I didn’t think much more about it until my son said to put down the phones when we were visiting our newborn granddaughter. She mostly just slept while we held her. I hadn’t thought we were interfering with our grandparent time.
When a school teacher asked her second graders to write about what invention they wish had never been invented, 4 of the 21 students said the phone. [bctt tweet=”Are YOU looking at food videos when your child needs your attention? Kids notice and they don’t feel good about it.” username=”@ang1e0251″]
These 5 Phone EtiquetteTips could help you.
Let’s get started.
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Phone Etiquette Tip #1
No electronics at mealtime. I’ve always thought this was a good idea for kids but parents, when your child is in a Hypnosis Session with me, they are saying you don’t listen to them at dinnertime. Why? Because you’re scrolling through your phone!
I’m telling you that your kids are noticing this and are feeling cheated. They feel second place to that smart phone! Because every time they look over the table at you, your head is bowed over the phone.
Mealtimes together are not the time to be checking email or Facebook. You don’t want your kids doing it and you shouldn’t do it either. You might think your kids are teens and don’t want your advice or opinion and don’t listen to it when you do give it. But I’m here to tell you, from a hypnotherapist’s viewpoint, they still need you. And maybe more than ever. Give the opportunity for interaction at meal time. Anything that’s on your phone can wait 30-40 minutes.
Phone Etiquette Tip #2
Completely power down your phone during family time. You won’t be tempted to check it if it’s completely off. If you plan family time, like movie night or game night. Turn it off and set a good example. Give your full attention to those kids. They might not say it or show it, but they’re watching and listening and they resent it if you’re not all in.
If you have young kids, power off your phone during bath time or story time. Maybe your time together is at the park. Whatever your family tradition and time, power off your phone. Show that your child is important to your world.
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Phone Etiquette Tip #3
Put your phone in the trunk of your car while driving with your kids. It’s very hard to resist a ringing phone with a call or text coming in. We all know it’s really dangerous to text and drive but think of this from your kid’s point of view. Even in the car, you can’t pay attention to them.
Put the phone out of reach and you won’t be tempted. You know, some of the best talks I’ve had with my two kids were in the car while taking them to practice or games or school. When you’re strapped in the car, a captive audience, you can give and receive more direct attention than in many other places. Maybe all you do is sing songs together, but those sing alongs become really strong connected memories for your kids.
Phone Etiquette Tip #4
Look at Social Media twice a day, early and late. I know, when that chime sounds we’re like Pavlov’s dogs and have to respond right now! You really can have a Facebook session in the morning and the evening and that is enough. You won’t miss anything because it’s in your feed. The world doesn’t fall apart because you won’t see a tweet until the kids are in bed, but your child might.
Some of you are going to tell me that you can’t do this because you run a business and you have to be on Social Media round the clock. Well, I’m here to tell you that I run a business and I am not on call round the clock. People know that I will get to them that day because I have taught them that I will. They will respect you for having certain hours blocked out as Family Time and you will be available after that.
Your doctor isn’t on call 24/7. She has office hours. Even if you run a business that expands out beyond office hours, like real estate, you can still tell clients,” My phone is on except during family time. You can leave me a message then and I answer all of those calls after 8:00 p.m.”
Phone Etiquette Tip #5
Take Facebook, Instagram and email completely off your phone.
What?
Yes, I said it. Remove Social Media and email from your phone. It’s not blasphemy, it’s FREEDOM! No more vibrations or chimes. No more anxiety about it chiming or not chiming. Free time and a free brain without popping from real life to internet life, from real life to internet life, from real life to internet life…well, you get the picture.
You can check email and Facebook when you sit down with your computer. Otherwise, there is no need for it to control you all day long. And more importantly, it can’t control your kids’ lives either.
Today I told you that your kids are very unhappy with the amount of time you spend on your phone. They feel like second class citizens to your internet connection and you have total control over this family dynamic. Consider taking the Phone Etiquette Tips with your children in mind and make time for them. If you need more help with this and other problems, schedule a session with me, Angie Hernandez, for hypnosis. That bad habit doesn’t have to last forever.
About the Author Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht.
A graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht., has her private practice in Milford, Indiana. She is certified in hypnotherapy by the Hypnotherapist's Union Local 472. Angie is the author of "Weight Loss Epiphany: The Workbook", "Charlie's Cuddly Animals for Little Geniuses" and "Weight Loss Hypnosis: Lose Weight with Hypnosis Scripts & Recordings". You can find out more about Angie and how to schedule private sessions by calling (574) 658-4686.
