Brenda Wallace
Nov 15, 2020

I love your goal, Denise! I agree that establishing boundaries for technology in our lives is no small feat. Yet I believe it is the boundaries that give value to everything in life. I think about the boundary between water and shore where the most interesting things happen (surf, river valleys, waterfalls...); or the boundaries between people (the relationship space); or the boundaries around a run or work-out (with the end so much more rewarding than the middle, right?!?).

I have been learning about the progress trap (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_trap). Technology represents such a conundrum for us... can we remember who is master and who is slave in this relationship?

My own children are now 25 and 22. I look back at our family battles over screen time. I feel very fortunate that my children still enjoy spending quality family time with my husband and I. I believe this is true because I (yes I say 'I' and not 'we' because Mom's do tend to be the COO... good observation!) tried not to judge myself too harshly in the times I let the kids spend more time on the computer/game-system/tv than I wanted to. Instead, I put my energy into planning fun activities for us for when they finally weren't on the screen. This asset-based approach was easier on my nerves and seems to have paid dividends.

I wish you great success with this challenge. I look forward to learning what strategies work (and don't!).

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Brenda Wallace
Brenda Wallace

Written by Brenda Wallace

I am a Planner and Public Participation Professional on a learning journey at the University of Cambridge (MSt Sustainability Leadership).

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