Let’s face it, we’re all a bit distracted by technology. It’s commonplace to check email, Facebook, or texts throughout the day. And even during the evening when we’re supposed to be away from work, spending time with friends and family with dinner on the table, it can be hard to remember that it’s time to connect with people and not your phone. However, experts are finding that repeatedly ignoring our children in favor of sending just one more text could have long-term negative effects.
In her new book, The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, author and psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair writes just how neglectful even a single phone call can be to a child. Especially when they were promised attention first.
In turn, she says, this behavior teaches kids that electronics are more important than people. Over time, this could create entire generations ignoring one another to send an email, answer a call, or just scour their Twitter feed. But just by giving kids the time and love they deserve, they can easily learn the difference between putting one’s family first, or their electronics.
Check out Steiner-Adair’s book to learn more.