Having been inspired by Sam and her no-jeans challenge and her success, I am going to do my own challenge. This one is ‘work based’ rather than ‘me’ based….and contrary to most work challenges involves doing something less, rather than more…..intrigued?
The idea came about last Thursday. It was the first day of term and I knew that my son would be not only desperate to see me but also tired out from a whole day at school after a summer of ‘mummy days!’ So I pledged that I would turn the laptop off at 3 and I would not put it back on again until children were in their ‘post- tea glazed over TV mode’ just prior to Daddy’s golden hour – otherwise known at the bath & bedtime battle in our house!
It was fantastic! I left on time for school pick up which meant I could actually get a parking space, and catch up with the other mummies. My son had my undivided attention, as I wasn’t being distracted by the rectangular screen on the table. Tea time went very smoothly as for once I wasn’t multi-tasking – just simply cooking & chatting to the children.
By the time I did turn back on for the ‘late shift’ it felt like I had had a proper break away, time to re-arrange my thoughts, and the added bonus of feeling great about being a proper 100% attentive mummy rather than 50% WAHMmy mummy! And as could easily have been predicted, nothing earth shattering had happened in my 3 hour cyber absence.
With son 2 already part-time at school and soon to be full time I knew I was going to have to readjust how I work and what happens at different times of day. However this has shown me that although they are here less, my time with them can and should definitely be QUALITY rather than quantity.
And so this is my pledge: The laptop will remain OFF between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, and that will be my dedicated children/home/family time every day. Can I stick to it? I will keep you posted on my progress.
Do any of you have ‘work rules’ or set hours that are sacred to the children & family? Please share.
That is such a good idea! I do find teatime frantic and it also gives mum a chance to concentrate on homework and the kids. I might give it a try tonight.
Think I will join you on this one (sorry, Sam – love my jeans too much!). Since hubby started working from home, taking over the upstairs “office” and the home PC (mine!) moved downstairs, I have tended to work / surf the net when the kids are around. Since last Thursday, I have a new rule that I won’t switch the computer on & start my working day until they have gone to school. This has had an amazing effect on my daughter’s cello practice & both kids reading – now pre-school, rather than post-school activities. So trying the same when they get home would definitely be a good idea. Hopefully, it will also help me be more focused when time is my own.
Good luck!
I think I should join you in this one – although will need to be 4+hours for me as we don’t get them to bed till after 7… (I do bedtime as then DH does the washing up – which I would far rather NOT do!)
Wish me luck!
Amazing, no sooner than I decide to do something someone else is doing it too!
Great minds think alike Pippa
Interesting challenge! How are you doing?
I’m doing something similar with switching off at a good time. I also find it’s good to switch the laptop off in plenty of time before bedtime and to get a really good nights sleep, to feel fresh and ready for the next day. Stops me waking up in the middle of the night so much!
sounds like a very good idea
Well – its been a week and it is working well….only 1 minor hiccup of about 10 minutes but apart from that…..we have been a laptop free zone for 3 hours a night!!!! It’s great – long may it continue.
This is fab. We have family time between 4pm and 7pm every evening. No computers allowed. It’s great to CONNECT with each other. Bliss!
Love & best wishes
Heather x
This is a fantastic idea! As a working mum my to-do list is never-ending and it’s difficult to switch off. I will definitely consider the no-laptop challenge, perhaps two days a week to begin with. Thanks again for the idea.