I spend so much effort trying to distract my kid from just asking to watch TV, then as soon as I get some time to myself it's straight onto the TV or video games (or phone). Maybe I need to practice on myself as well?
Kids will do what you do, so if you’re spending time feeding your brain dopamine by using your phone they will do the same.
The best gift you can give a kid is your time. And if you need to use your phone, explain why (“I’m lowering the volume on the stereo” or “I’m starting the heat cycle in our car”).
It’s not easy, but you’re their role model - so stay true to your own ideals and you’ll ace it!
I've definitely had to "re-wire" myself. The phone is too convenient to pick up! I have some hobbies that I have gotten back into, like reading and drawing.
My child is maturing enough so I can get more into my more involved hobbies, like woodworking. (I considered picking up 3D printing or sewing, but one step at a time lol.)
Yeah, it's the one thing you just carry around. If I'm waiting for the kettle to boil it's enough time to refresh Lemmy, but not enough to read even part of a chapter in a book.
We need this too. When we have a somewhat long drive I usually do all the driving because my wife hates it but she’ll sit there telling our kid she (our daughter) can’t watch the iPad while she (my wife) plays on her phone.
How old is the kid? They might be ready for you to read chapter books to them at bedtime. I remember being about 10 and getting lotr and Brian jacques read to me.
For 'can I watch something' - predictability is key. If they have a chance of trying to wear you down, they'll take it. Settle for something like: you get 1 little bear after daycare, and that's it for the rest of the day.
As other guy said tho, that means you can't watch either tho.