It's not a term I invented, but read about it here. (and there was more the next day) And it is a term I needed to define exactly the battle I fight at times.
I am trying to STOP being an intermittent mother. And yes, it is a non-stop battle because I have blogged about taking "breaks" before. (but now I don't explain them when I take off)
I, for one, am working on saying goodbye to the intermittent mother who occasionally visits this house. Because I confess that all too often I know a day goes by and there are one too many visits to the computer, the cell phone, or even my home phone.
What have I done about it the last few weeks to prevent distraction from my priorities?
(or why don't you see me commenting much anymore, posting as much, updating my status's, etc)
I shut down the computers at night. This prevents the on and off email check throughout the next day because it is a pain to do when the computer still has to reboot. Yes, I make a quick check on the iPhone in the AM to be sure nothing "major" needs to be dealt with. But I hate replying on that little text screen, so it prevents a quick check from turning into a bunch of replying.
And I leave the computers shut down until I have set aside a 30 min or so block of time to get on. Most of the time I find that I sit down to that machine when the kids are all in bed.
It's amazing how this little step has helped me to stop reading blogs so often. Stop facebooking and updating my status. Stop even blogging on my own blog so much. (though that is where I tend to focus when I have some time)
I am not saying any of that is bad. We all need to determine our own level of free time. I happen to have very little true "free time" because all three of my children are still home with me, one of which is being homeschooled "officially".
I have stopped running to this machine every night for entertainment. I play quiet music while reading my bible or other good book, talk to a friend, relax with my husband, and yes, occasionally have some "screen time".
Funny thing is, the further I pull away from "all that distraction", the less I miss it.
And the less I become an intermittent mother. Or the intermittent wife.
And I like the continual mother who is taking her place.
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9 comments:
Seriously!!! If I would actually powerdown the computer at night when I go to bed, then I would definitely not use it until after school. It's when I'm checking and FBing and blogging and other such things during the day that I get cranky towards the kids and we have unproductive days!
Great post that many of us understand!
Andrea
This is something I struggle with so much. I'm at work during the day so when I'm home, I really need to 'be' there instead of only half paying attention. I would get so much more done if I could really discipline myself when it comes to the computer and television. And you are right, when I've stepped away from it, I don't really miss it all that much. It's all about balance I guess but I haven't been able to find that.
I'm with ya! ;) Trying to figure out that balance - and 'budgeting' time during my day for the necessities too. I put my computer in a very uncomfy place so it doesn't get used! :) hee hee
Great post- I'm there too.
i find that these things help me too. If I quickly "check in" in the morning while I'm eating breakfast then start moving along in my day and don't stop every time I'm tired of dealing with it all I accomplish a lot more and I'm a better mother and wife! I spend some time after bedtime trying to do the things on the computer that is important to me. But I'm not putting the computer activities ahead of my health anymore...meaning I'm getting some exercise in, yeah!!
Definitely a great post. I too get caught up in the "checking" of all my mail, and often sit the kids in front of the tube while I have "my time". I don't want them to know their mother as just being glued to the computer (nor them glued to the tv). At the same time I think it is important for them to learn to play games independantly and on their own. Thanks for the reminder.
Wonderful advice. I definitely need to actually turn off the computer. I think that would really help this intermittent mama be more willingly available to my little guys. And THANKS for the birthday wishes on my blog. That was sweet.
Obviously, I'm just now catching up :)
Yeah, I've been doing the same thing. and, like you, am finding that I don't need the internet connection as much as I once did.
This computer age we live in can be soooo great. But at times, I think it comes like a thief in the night. seeking to kill and destroy (relationships). :(
THOUGH I wouldn't have a friendship with you were there not such a thing as Blogdom. *wink*
My big thing is that I don't want my children feel like the computer is more impt. than they are. And regardless of what I say to them, they'll weigh the "truth" by my actions.
Great post - and great comments! Thanks for sharing. This is something I too struggle with...
Also, stopping by from the Crew.
Have a wonderfully blessed day!
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