Happy almost New Year! Have you made any resolutions this year? How about your kids? My daughters used to call them “revolutions” when they were younger and there are years I feel that my list falls into that category!
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I know many people who take their resolutions very seriously and others who just jot down a few for fun. Regardless of which camp you fall into, I do believe each January affords us a unique opportunity to note only wipe the slate clean of areas of our past we want to move away from but tweak current paths in ways that improve our lives. We may even find a way to move into a new direction, although I’m not a big fan of dramatic path changes because I find they set us up for failure. We all do better if we move in baby steps with smaller and more easily attainable goals.
Being entrenched in the world of media, many of my resolutions include media in one way or another. Over the last couple of years, I’ve backed off on goal that didn’t make sense such as “I’ll blog twice a week” or “tweak once a day”. Instead, I now use a more “go with the flow” social media plan and find I’m more productive and the “health” of my sites just a robust.
One way I find useful to keep a busy family on track with media is to work together on achieving a balance that keeps everyone productive and thriving. My Family Media Use Plan is one such tool. Here are the highlights:
Dr. Gwenn’s Media-Friendly Household Family Pledge
* I will never choose media or technology over my family.
* I will use technology responsibly by not
o Texting or talking while driving
o using my cell phone in line for anything
o using technology to harm others by engaging in bullying or slanderous actions
* I will try and keep my total screen time to 2 hours a day except when doing a project for school.
* I will not watch shows or play games that scare me or are inappropriate for friends and family watching or playing with me.
* Kids: I will never give out personal information online or by text and will avoid all chat room except ones my mom and dad have looked at and approved.
* Parents: I will check what my kids are doing online and on their phones.
* Kids: I understand my parents have a right to check into my media history on my computer or phone.
* We will talk as a family at a meal a day with no technology in sight!
* We will agree to technology free times such as weekends and vacations.
* When in doubt, family first! If media gets in the way, we need to recognize we are utilizing it too much or in a way that is not helping our family.
You can download a copy for your family here.
Here’s to a wonderful 2012 with enough unplugged time to discover something new in the world – something that can only be seen with eyes wide open.
Great post and I am printing the article to give to some people I know.
I AM addicted to writing/reading the blogs. I figured it would go away when I work but I don’t know. I love the hobby.
I, even as an adult am probably too trusting of people and we DON’T most times KNOW who we are connecting to. I don’t like texting, speaking on cell unless important, and don’t do chat. But I need to limit blogging time. It goes buy so quickly!
Happy New Year Dr Gwenn!
Happy New Year Seaspray!!
I’m with you on everything you said – including limiting blogging. People need to deconnect this year and live life with more face time and time in the real world. At least, that’s the goal!
Dr. G
Why do you think it is so easy to get addicted to blogging, texting etc?
My older son (27) is a great guy…but makes me crazy with how he is ALWAYS checking his phone-texting when in a conversation. I stop talking until I have his undivided attention. Granted…he does use it and his blackberry in his line of work – computers…but still.
I am blogging a lot because I am home now…but I admit to letting it interfere with home life too. But…I will say this in defense of blogging..it does involve creativity and reading.
I remember that I would talk on the phone as a teenager for HOURS on end…before call waiting (people couldn’t get through)and now it is My Space, IM, texting and whatever. So different for the kids now.
I don’t think it is good to have a life filled with electronic games/communications. Sometimes I want to live in Mayberry with a slower paced life…and then other times I want to be right here.
Guess it comes back to the original intent of your post…moderation and quality time building relationships – face to face. Human touch counts for a lot. In my New Years eve post I also talk about how the medical blogosphere and other bloggers got me through tough times last winter and throughout the year.
Blogging is a great hobby though…just need to work on that moderation.