After writing this post last week, and talking to a friend with similar thoughts, I decided to make some changes in the amount of time I spend on the computer.
Specifically online time.
Because what else is there??
This time has become a stumbling block to what I want to be as a wife, a mom, and a homemaker.
It seems as though as soon as I sit down for a quick e-mail, twitter, or facebook check I’m sucked in for much longer that I would like to be.
It can be so temping to tune in to the connection that can be found online when I’m at home all day with my children.
As I’m tuning in to that connection, though, I’m tuning out the needs of my children and my home.
I don’t want to be a tuned-out mom.
I’m calling my plan to change this “Operation Computer Shut-Down“.
This plan involves just that…shutting down the computer during times that I want to be tuned-in to my children and my home.
I will have two times to freely use the internet…during my children’s quiet time and after they go to bed.
During this time I will be able to blog, respond to e-mails, scrapbook, and connect through twitter and facebook.
Before going to bed at night, I will be shutting the computer down and will not power it up again until quiet time the next day.
When quiet time is over, I will log off of the computer which will be password protected. Yes, I control the password, but adding an extra hurdle to go through will help me keep to the plan.
I will have access to check e-mail, twitter, and facebook through my iTouch.
It is my desire that Operation Computer Shut-Down will result in more focused time on my children and home.
I’ll be able to get the household chores done more effectively, or just done in general without the internet calling and beckoning me to get lost in it’s world as I escape mine.
And even more importantly, I will be able to be tuned-in to my children…playing, interacting, and engaging without distractions from the computer screen.
I’ve been doing this for almost a week, and I have to be honest with you…it hasn’t been easy! But the times that I have followed this plan have been blessed. I have been more focused on what I truly want to be focused on.
I’ve been all present with my children and in my home.
I have been tuned-in.
Kim Voiles says
Great thoughts on a topic that is a constant struggle with me and most moms with easy access to the web. Homeschooling and having that “opportunity” to quickly look something up ends up with a quick check of FB and then emails and then blogs and then …. you know the story 😉
I like your idea alot! I have an iPhone and I can check my email there as well. I have shut down the desktop many days … I should do the same with my mac, at least during certain hours. Blessings Monica! Hope you are doing well!
willma fields says
LOVE IT! I did a complete “FB fast” for two weeks and I was startled to see how much it helped! I think having some ongoing computer management guidelines is a great way to stay focused on what really matters. Good luck.
Stephanie says
Well said! I have been trying to avoid my computer for weeks now. I have actually gone for a max of a whole weekend so far! And the world has not ended. 🙂 The only annoying thing was the amount of e-mail to sift through. I do a pretty good job of staying off of the computer once the girls are home from school, and it is liberating. I do not like being so connected to the world. I miss hand-writtten letters and actual phone calls. Maybe we can start a revolution!
Nancy M. says
I don’t, but I should. Those are some great ideas of when to spend time online!
Tracey Eyster says
Good for you mom! I have often said the computer is the new soap opera – a time stealer that gets moms “sucked into” the drama of other lives. Encouraging others through blogging is a great thing, sharing life is a great thing…but not at the expense of your children/family! How awesome that you are taking intentional steps to control your computer time! You go girl! You “get it” that …every MOMent counts! Blessings to you!