Is Your Phone Taking Away From Motherhood?

and how is parental phone use taking away from childhood?

THE WEEKLY EDIT:
Writing: Summer Lists
Over Memorial Day weekend, my girls and I sat down to write a list of everything we want to try and accomplish this summer. Honestly, this is both for them (teaching them about goals and making the most of their time) and for me (insurance for when they’re bored!). We included activities like blueberry picking, specific trips, removing training wheels, heading to the beach, baking cakes, growing sunflowers, etc. Next, we hung the list up in their room and anytime we think of something else, we simply add to it (if you’re looking for ideas, check out this list). We’ve already referenced it twice, and we’re only on day three of summer break. Phew! Kids aside, I’ve always loved doing this for myself as an adult.

Using: Salty Face Tanning Foam
I slipped into a bathing suit for the first time this season and wow am I pale! So, last night, I applied this tanning foam in light to medium for a nice and subtle glow. The clean formula is derived from sugar beet, fragrance free and made with floral, aloe, and cucumber extracts. First application down and so far, I’m happy with the results.

Trending App: Seed Oil Scout
I have a handful of friends who are adamant about not consuming seed oils and if you’re on that committee, and want seed oil free dining, there’s an app for that. Check out Seed Oil Scout.

Wearing: Earrings Inspired by the Sea
Because they feel so right for summer! I ordered the Antica’s by SORU and love them for a little 2024 summer ooooomph. These by Louis Abel are also beautiful (when they’re not sold out) and then there’s also an Amazon dupe.

Slipping On: Roma Round Toe Ballet Flats, Scarlett Sandals & Flip Flops
I finally ordered the viral Freda ballet flats. In red nonetheless! I’m excited to live in them. The other new shoe addition? The Jenni Kayne Scarlett sandals. Great classics! You can always use GERI15 for 15% off Jenni Kayne, btw. And as for flip flops, Free People may just have the best assortment.

Shopping: Summer Dresses
This tailored linen Monroe dress from DÔEN, a cottagecore ‘60s-inspired dream, easy gingham bodice with a full skirt from Reformation (also love this gingham DÔEN dress for something short) , a crochet dress under $40, this flirty Calvi dress by Heidi Merrick, a linen vest dress from Alex Mill…so many good dresses to kick off summer!

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ALRIGHT, LET’S GET INTO IT:
Is Your Phone Taking Away From Motherhood?

As the June heat settled in, farm stands brimming with bright red strawberries, sweet cherries, and cheerful sunflowers, my girls celebrated their last day of school with a noon dismissal on a Friday. Ah, the kickoff to summer...the best time of year! On my way to pick them up, the classic summer break anthem “School’s Out for Summer” by Alice Cooper came to mind. “I have to blast this for them when they hop in the car!” I excitedly thought as I queued it up.

“I have a song I want to play that’s perfect for today!” I shared, hyping them up as we walked out of the school gates one last time. By the second time the chorus played, we were all singing it at the top of our lungs, big smiles on our faces. “No more teachers, no more pencils,” my four-year-old repeated as she giggled the entire way to the “special treat place,” our usual Friday tradition. The smell of sunscreen filled the car and rays of sunshine beamed through the sunroof while the AC cooled us off.

I felt wildly joyous in that moment and on our drive, I made a promise to myself: I’m going to commit to breaking up with my phone while I’m around my children this summer. (If you don’t have kids, insert friends, partners, and any other relationship.) My phone often comes between us as it dings, lights up, rings, and sucks me in for passive usage, which pulls me out of our cocoon and into work, social engagements, the news cycle, or perhaps even worse, mindless scrolling. These are things I thoroughly enjoy, don’t get me wrong, but when it’s distracting me from what’s important and in front of me, it breaks the connection and flow. Is the phone taking away from motherhood?