The way you use your cellphones around your family can have an effect on your relationships. Cellphones can make you feel more connected, but they can also distract (使分心) you and your family from connecting with each other in person. While some people need to check their phones for work or emergency (紧急情况) purposes, it's important to make meaningful connections through face-to-face communication.
Some people have trouble putting away their cellphones. They might feel they can't control how often they pick up their phones or how long they use them. They might feel the need to often check phones without a real reason or feel upset if they don't have an opportunity to use their phones. Using cellphones for work purposes during family time can increase worries and unhappiness among family members. While using their cellphones, parents talk to their kids less, reply more slowly, and overreact to being interrupted. And ignoring their partner while on the phone is linked to lower relationship satisfaction among couples.
Once you've given some thought to your own cellphone use, think about the rules you want your family to follow when you're together. To get your family on the same page, call a family meeting. Review each person's current cellphone use and areas where you think some changes might help. It's not just about simply cutting cellphone use down. Instead, consider what you're using your phone for and what activities you want to carry out.
For example, are you or your children using phones to stay connected, learn something new, do schoolwork, or do something else? If you have kids, ask their opinions on your own phone use. You might be surprised by what they have to share. Use good communication skills by practicing active listening and showing curiosity about what each family member has to say.
Less phone use also usually means less screen time, which enables kids to spend more time outdoors and be more physically active. When teens spend more time actively with their parents, they tend to set higher educational goals.
