How can I stop checking my phone around my family?
By Gordon David ·
Short answer
Make your phone harder to reach, not your willpower stronger. Put phones in a basket or another room during meals and bedtime, turn off non-essential notifications in the evening, and decide in advance when you'll check messages. Small physical barriers work better than good intentions.
Why is it so hard to put the phone down?
After a long day, scrolling feels like a way to switch off. But it pulls attention from the people who want it most — and kids notice when they're competing with a screen.
What simple rules actually work?
- Phones in a basket during dinner.
- One set time in the evening to check messages.
- Notifications off from dinner until the kids are asleep.
- Tell your kids the rule — they'll happily remind you.
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