13 Jan Are you constantly checking your social media feed on your mobile phone throughout the day 

Does work never end even when you are away from the office 
Are you guilty of Distracted Parenting 

There is no denying that we live in a uniquely media-saturated time. For many adults, mobile technology has led to an expectation that you are available for work at all times of the day. It can be very hard to unplug and step away from the demands of work, the never-ending news cycle and updates from friends and family around the world. The rise of media use among parents, causing them to be distracted and disengaged with their children, has coined a new term, “distracted parenting.”

Distracted parenting refers to parental overuse of hand-held technology, particularly mobile phones and tablets, in the presence of children. There are the obvious risks of distracted parenting—when parent’s eyes are on their phones, they are not on their children.  studies have shown an increase in playground injuries and parents technology-related inattention.

Distracted parenting has also been found to have a negative impact on children’s social and emotional development. Parents who are distracted by technology, are more likely to respond harshly to children’s behaviour. While some children appeared to accept their parent’s inattention, others displayed escalating misbehaviours.

It is unlikely that mobile phones will stop being a part of family lives any time soon. However, parents can aim to be responsive to their children’s need

Here are some Tips on how to overcome Distracted Parenting:
1. Notice when children are trying to get your attention.
2. Be responsive to children’s positive behaviors, noticing when they are kind, friendly, sharing, etc. 
3. Set aside important times  in the day to be focused and connect with your children, such as returning home from school or work.
4. Set technology-free times such as meal times  and bed times.

The goal is not necessarily to be constantly focused on your child all of the time, but to find a balance, show your children they are important and be responsive to their needs.