UNPLUGGED

Do you ever feel crazy busy? Like you have too much going on, and you just can’t fit one more thing in?  Is it really that we have that much going on, or is it using time unwisely?  When you really think about how many hours are in the day, can it be that we are wasting time?  I want to give you a job for one day. I want you to write down the use of your hours, minutes and seconds for one whole day.  When you get this done come back to this blog and finish reading J

What did you find?  How many hours did you spend on social networks?  How much time did you spend behind the TV or on the computer checking emails, Facebook, Pinterest, etc?  I found an amazing discovery.  I spend WAY too much time on my phone, and social networking.  I am a part of a support group on Facebook for weight-loss, and as much as I love helping and encouraging, I still need to be mindful of what is right in front of me. The truth is we all do it!  We get wrapped up in what is going on outside of our homes, rather than what going on inside our homes.  When things get flip flopped, it’s time to get UNPLUGGED.  While keeping up with extended family and friends is great, we truly need to be sure that we are not forgetting about the home we are building right in front of us. 

Here are some ideas and tips to keep yourself and families in check. 

BUDGET YOUR TIME-Start a budget for your time.  It seems crazy, I know, but think about how you want to spend your day. What are your priorities?  Spiritual/meditation time, family time, date night, homework, chores, we all have plenty to do.  With only 24 hours, we need to be sure we aren’t falling behind by sitting behind the computer or playing games on our smart phones (Words with Friends, I know it’s so tempting, I’ve been there too).  

FAMILY DEVOTION TIME-As part of our nightly ritual (we don’t always get it in, but it’s our goal) At this time we either read a story out of a devotional book and read a bible story or two and take time to pray.  Pray for our family members, friends, co-workers, church family, etc.  We also like to spend time listening to worship music and praising god for all that he does for us.  This time can look different for each family.  The main thing is making time for Him in our daily lives J 

ROLE MODEL-What do we want to model for our children?  Books from the library or watching the latest movie from the Red box? Is getting stuff done around the house, and setting the kids in front of the tv for a while priority over a messy home and having fun coloring and playing with your kiddos on the floor.  For those of us that work part of full time, those few hours we have with them are so valuable.  I am guilty of giving up those hours for a clean house.  I am wanting to make a change.  The years fly by so quickly, we need to instill the values in which we want them to carry on to their kids. 

CUT OUT CABLE-SAY WHAT? Cable is a major time sucker if you let it.  Did you know you can get a family membership to the gym for around the same price as a cable bill?  What an awesome thing to have for your family.  At the RFC you can use the pool, weight room, gym, group fitness, etc.  If your kids are older they can play in the gym while you take a fitness class.  What a great option to have to keep you and your kids healthy!

UNPLUGGED-Have an unplugged time at your home.  This is a time when anything with a screen is powered down.  It’s time to have a family game night, go to a park or a gym, spend time just soaking in each other’s presence.  This can be a difficult task if you haven’t spent a lot of time together, or if your family spends a lot of time behind a screen.  It takes adjustment as do all new things, but you will be amazed at how attitudes and behaviors can change.  Kids are longing for our undivided attention, they crave it!

KIDS MAKE A LIST-Kids rule!  Let them make a list of activities they like to do.  What are some things they would like to do as a family?  Encourage them to make a list of things to do outside of video games and movies.  They are okay to do maybe one night a week-Have a “Friday Night Movie Night” but try to limit it to one night a week.

DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR CHILDREN-This may be more difficult if you are a single parent.  But try to spend time with your children individually as well.  This doesn’t have to be extravagant.  This can be taking a child to a park and packing a treat.  The main objective is to get to know who they are individually.  For my family, it gets difficult during school activities when my older son is in basketball, and my younger son is 2 and a handful.  Then I have a middle child that feels neglected, and behaviors start to come to the surface.  Think of human beings as cups filled with water.  When we are getting attention, and feeling loved, we are happy, joyful, Patient. When our kids are getting the attention they want and crave, their cups begin to get low, and that’s when we begin to see behaviors. 

Just being aware of how you spend your time it the first step.  With all the technology available today it makes it way too easy to be connected to outside world.  The truth is, we are losing contact with the family member’s right in front of us. My husband I often text each instead of running upstairs or outside.  Or how many have you texted (hugs)?  We are losing contact and that love contact.  My goal for my family is to have an unplugged time from 5-8 every night during the week.  I want this to be our time.  No phone calls, no email, no social networking.  OUR TIME

Unplugged or Family time will look different according to your schedules.  Find what works for you and go with it.  Make sure you are all on the same page before you set your boundaries to limit conflict.  Make a contract and try to stick to it.  This will take time, and frustration may occur, especially if you are used to a lot of screen time.  If you stick with it, your children will enjoy the time they have with you and their cups with overflow!