We’ve heard it said a hundred different ways.
The smartphone is an amazing resource…but can very easily become an addicting distraction.
It’s pretty hard to argue that point.
I think most of us would agree that our phones take up way too much of our time and attention.
We recognize those palm-sized computers can be a problem. And we’ve been told again and again to put them down.
Going tech free for even a few hours sounds like a good idea. But for those of us that really want to cut the cord, how do we actually make it happen?
A modern dilemma…
Smartphones are our mobile office. Our family calendar. Our kids’ social connection.
Keeper of lists. Holder of memories. Source of information.
Often the things we’re doing on our phones aren’t bad, they’re helpful…even necessary.
But that doesn’t change the facts. Our phones have too much control over us.
So, what’s a 21st century parent to do?
If you’re like me and have asked yourself that question more than once, may I challenge you to join me in declaring a tech free day of the week?
For our family that day will be Sunday. But the day matters less than the commitment.
Twenty four hours of zero technology.
Sound easy? It’s just one day.
Maybe.
But I’m betting it’s a whole lot harder than most of us think.
And if that’s the case, we need a plan.
So, if you’re joining me on this challenge, I’ve got you covered. Here are ten tips to implement a tech free day for your own family.
Ten Tips for a Tech Free Day…
Tip #1: Ask God for clarity.
God knows the level of your technology addiction. He knows if it’s a big problem or an occasional distraction. The same goes for your family too.
Ask Him for wisdom on declaring a tech free day. Pay attention to clues He might send your way. Be open to His leading and commit to following through.
Tip #2: Get everyone on board.
This might be the most challenging tip on the list. But if you’re going to have a tech free family day, you can’t really do it by yourself.
Pray over this too. God can open hearts in ways that you never could.
Get your spouse on board first. Then, present the idea to your kids as a united front. This may be exponentially harder if you have teenagers. But that just makes it that much more important.
Tip #3: Formulate a plan.
A tech free day isn’t going to happen on its own. You need a plan. Think through your day from beginning to end.
Where do you use technology? How can that be replaced by an alternative resource for the day?
Is your smartphone your alarm clock? Consider purchasing a cheap “old-school” one to use instead.
Do you need to go somewhere that requires GPS? Write down directions the day before.
We’ve become so used to incorporating technology into our daily rhythms that we don’t even think about it anymore. It will take some strategic planning to make a tech free day actually happen.
Tip #4: Designate a place to store your devices.
Out of sight, out of mind may not be exactly true in this case. But it’s definitely a place to start. Find a spot to keep all devices for the day that can’t be seen and isn’t easily accessible.
Put them there the night before and incorporate a “hands-off” policy until the following evening.
Tip #5: Prepare tech free activities.
If possible, get outside on your tech free day. Nature has a way of refreshing your soul.
If that’s not possible, plan games to play as a family. Do a puzzle or a craft. Or grab some of your favorite books and curl up to read together.
The options are endless. But you need to come up with some ideas ahead of time to minimize the chance you’ll give in to the “I’m bored” comments that are sure to come.
(Need a list of simple and fun activities for your tech free day? Start here.)
Tip #6: Expect roadblocks.
We’re heavily dependent on technology. More than likely, something will happen that threatens to derail your tech free day.
A work email that can’t be ignored. A forgotten school project. An unexpected deadline.
Be ready for a hundred different temptations to reach for that device. And stay committed to only giving in if you absolutely have too.
If something comes up that only be addressed by using technology, deal with it. And then reset and try again. The more you practice, the better your family will get at adapting without technology.
Tip #7: Seize the opportunity to meaningfully connect with others.
Face-to-face communication without distraction is one of the most valuable things our phones have stolen. Use your tech free day to meaningful connect with each other.
Play games, take walks, TALK.
Consider getting out in your community and just seeing life through a different lense…without a phone to distract you while in line at the store or pumping gas.
There’s a whole world of actual people out there just waiting for you!
Tip #8: Get accountability.
Committing to being tech free even for just one day isn’t going to be easy. Find someone to keep you accountable. Your spouse. Your children. A best friend. A small group leader.
Choose someone who supports what you’re doing and that you can count on to hold the bar high. And then don’t get offended if they call you out!
Tip #9: Make tech free a habit.
Whatever you do, don’t let you tech free day be one and done! Expect that it won’t be easy. And that you might not like it.
But the benefits of going tech free are going to long outlast the discomforts. Commit to at least three months of consistent tech free days. Then re-evaluate and make a decision if you want to continue.
(Want to discover another habit that could bring more peace and joy to your family life? Click here.)
Tip #10: Share your story.
Going tech free might feel like you’re on an island. But I can guarantee that’s not the case! My family is right there with you. And I can bet many others are too.
Share your story with family and friends. Or anyone else who will listen. I’m guessing you’ll find a few like-minded souls. And if not, you just might encourage someone else to try it too!
(Sharing your story goes far beyond a tech free day. Discover the power of your personal testimony here.)
Your soul will thank you…
Technology is a wonderful gift. Our phones have given us freedom and convenience that our great-grandparents never could have imagined.
But for many of us, those phones have morphed from a tool to an idol. They’ve stolen our peace, our focus, and our freedom.
I’m not calling for a tech free world. Or for us to ditch the smartphone altogether.
But I am saying that we need to put technology back in its place…as a tool that we use to better our lives. Not as an object that controls them.
As a whole our society is more stressed, more anxious, and more depressed than ever.
Our souls are crying out for change.
Is going tech free for one day of the week going to fix everything?
No.
But it might be a pretty good place to start.
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