Digital Detox for Parents

Your screen habits affect your parenting more than your child's screen habits affect them. Every minute you spend scrolling is a minute of distracted presence. Practical steps:

• Notice how you feel after scrolling versus after playing with your child
• Set a "no phone" window during after-school pickup and bedtime
• Keep one device-free room so connection has somewhere to live

The trap is strongest when you are depleted. Tired, overwhelmed parents scroll more and feel worse, which deepens the exhaustion that started it. Breaking the cycle starts with one small, repeatable choice. Small changes compound.